Is carrying a knife illegal in Germany?

Some examples of regulations concerning knives in Europe: In Germany a person may not carry on his person any folding knife with a locking blade. He can, however, carry a fixed blade up to 3½ inches long.


Can you carry knife in Germany?

German Knife law provides some funny details. It is illegal to carry a 5 inch kitchen knife but you can legally carry any bad-ass fighting knife as long as the blade length does not exceed the 12 cm (4.72 in.) limit (except Karambits!). There is no restriction on the blade length for most folding knives.

Is it legal to carry Swiss Army Knife in Germany?

However even carrying a Swiss Army knife for the purpose of using it as a weapon for self-defense is illegal. Carry the same knife for utility purposes and it's perfectly legal. Certain types of knives such as switchblades and balisong knives are prohibited weapons.


Can you carry a pocket knife in Europe?

Possession and ownership of many types of knives allowed but carrying and transporting them is restricted. Section 42a allows carrying a fixed blade over 4.7 inches for a justifiable reason such as hunting. Knives designed as weapons are banned. A folding pocket knife with a single edge blade can be carried.

Can you carry a multitool in Germany?

However, in Germany these “jack of all trades” at the ready can also cause trouble with the police. It is the case that multitools can – in some cases – fall under laws governing weapons and therefore are not allowed to be carried in public.


Comparing two- and one-handed folding knives (and complaining about the German knife laws)



What can I carry for self-defense in Germany?

Stun guns or "stun guns" are non-lethal weapons and are one of the few weapons that are freely available for self-defence in Germany from the age of 18. However, it should be noted that only devices that carry the seal of approval of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB seal of approval) are legal.

What can I not bring to Germany?

Restrictions
  • Medicinal products and narcotics. You must observe certain requirements if you are bringing medicinal products as normal travel requisites. ...
  • Cash. ...
  • Fireworks. ...
  • Instruments of torture. ...
  • Dangerous dogs. ...
  • Publications or media likely to harm minors and unconstitutional publications. ...
  • Cultural assets. ...
  • Food and feedstuffs.


Can I carry a knife in Paris?

It is illegal to carry all category D weapons, which includes pocket knives (whether they can be bought over the counter or not). The penalty for carrying one is a fine of up to €15,000 and up to one year in prison.


What knives are illegal in Europe?

Generally forbidden are automatic and semi-automatic knives, throwing knives, butterfly knives and fixed knives with a parry bar. Knives disguised as objects are also prohibited. In general, you should not carry anything concealed.

Can I carry a knife in Italy?

Italy. Buying and owning knives is restricted in the case of double edged knives, automatic (open-assisted) knives and weapons such as swords. Carrying knives is permitted only for 'valid reason', e.g. for camping, fishing, etc.; usually not in towns – and for self-defense.

What weapons can you own in Germany?

Once you have a license, you're also limited in the number of and kinds of guns you may own, depending on what kind of license you have: Fully automatic weapons are banned for all, while semiautomatic firearms are banned for anything other than hunting or competitive shooting.


What weapons are legal in Germany?

It entitles the licensee to publicly carry gas pistols (both of the blank and irritant kind) and flare guns. These types of firearms are freely available to adults; only the actual carrying on public property requires the permit.

Can you use a knife in self-defense Germany?

Deadly self-defense is legal in Germany. The self-defense law (in particular Sect. 32 of the Criminal Code) makes no restrictions as far as the type of aggression and the type of defense is concerned. That means that - in principle - you can defend yourself against an attack by any means that is necessary to stop it.

Is self defense legal in Germany?

German law permits self-defense against an unlawful attack. If there is no other possibility for defense, it is generally allowed to use even deadly force without a duty to retreat.


Can I ship a pocket knife to Germany?

Most countries do not have any restrictions when it comes to sending cutlery to another country. If you want to send a knife internationally, and this knife belongs to a cutlery set, or it is a kitchen knife, the most important thing is to prepare the package carefully.

Is open carry legal in Germany?

German law has no provision stipulating whether a gun must be concealed or loaded in public or not.

Can I carry a knife in France?

The law in force in France - which governs the possession, carrying and transport of weapons - is clear and states that the purchase and possession of knives is free. Whereas the carrying and transporting of such weapons without legitimate reason is normally prohibited.


Can I legally walk around with a knife?

In general, it is legal to carry a knife in most states. However, there are often limits on knives or bladed weapons that may be carried.

What is the most illegal knife?

The most banned knife in the country remains the ballistic knife. Here's a look at what ballistic knives are, how they became banned and why those bans should be repealed.

Is it legal to carry a knife in Switzerland?

Under the Swiss Weapons Act , knives are banned if the blade can be extended with an automatic mechanism using one hand. The following are also banned: Butterfly knives. Folding knives.


What is the Swedish knife law?

Under no circumstances may a person under the age of 21 own, borrow or use a spring-assisted knife (switchblade) or spring-stiletto knife. A violation of the Swedish Knife Act may result in imprisonment for up to six months.

Can you carry a knife in Greece?

Unlike in the United States, it is illegal to carry knives (of any length) off base in Greece without the express permission of the competent Greek police authority, according to Lt. Laura Jacobson, NSA Souda Bay's senior legal advisor.

What's considered rude in Germany?

It is rude to chew gum or keep one's hands in one's pockets whilst talking with someone. Cross your legs by putting one knee over the other. It is impolite to rest your feet on furniture. Tight punctuality (Pünktlichkeit) is expected in most professional and social situations.


What to wear in Germany to not look like a tourist?

Avoid Flashy American Logos

“First and foremost, avoid fanny packs like the plague! Another tip is to not wear sports jerseys or baseball caps from a home sports team. If possible, also avoid wearing clothing from a chain store with large and recognizable logo placements.”

Do and don'ts of Germany?

German Etiquette: Don'ts
  • Don't #1. Cross the street when the traffic light is red. ...
  • Don't #2. Make loud noise in public. ...
  • Don't #3. Open closed doors without knocking. ...
  • Don't #4. Call people late in the evening. ...
  • Don't #5. Make jokes about nazism. ...
  • Don't #6. Stare at naked people. ...
  • Don't #7. ...
  • Don't #8.