Germany’s strict knife laws are often compared to those of the United States. While it may seem counterintuitive, Germany has implemented a range of measures to regulate the ownership and use of knives.
Types of Banned Knives
- Switchbaldes / automatic knives
- Dropping / out-the-front knives with blades over 41mm
- Butterfly knives
- Fist knives
- Brass-knuckle knives
- Push daggers
- Combat knives
- Daggers and machetes
- Knives with blades longer than 12cm
These knives are considered weapons and are prohibited under Germany’s weapons law. Private ownership is also strictly prohibited, and importing or trading in these types of knives is also illegal.
Permitted Knives
- Standard kitchen knives
- Multi-tools with blades
- Two-handed folding knives
- Rescue knives
- Daggers
- Machetes
- Knives with blades under 12cm
These types of knives are generally permitted in public, but there are some exceptions.
