Am I allowed to carry a knife in public?
Restricted. A fixed-blade knife may be carried in public only up to a blade length of 12 cm. A one-hand knife (openable with one hand) may not be carried at all — regardless of blade length. Since the security package of 31 October 2024, knives are also fully banned in long-distance buses/trains, at folk festivals and events, and in municipal weapons-ban zones — regardless of length or design. "Carrying" means having it ready to hand; transport in a locked container stays allowed.
📋 The rules
- Fixed-blade knives: carry only up to 12 cm blade length
- One-hand knives: carrying in public banned (any length)
- Banned weapons (butterfly, fist, side-opening switchblades over 8.5 cm double-edged): fully banned
- Since 2024: knives banned in long-distance transport, at festivals, events (§42b)
- In weapons-ban zones: any knife banned
- Transport not ready to hand, in a locked container is not "carrying"
🔓 Exceptions
- Legitimate reason: job, custom, sport, trade (e.g. a tradesperson with tools)
- Transport in a locked container (e.g. boot, bag) is allowed
- Kitchen/tool knives at home or while working aren't covered by the carrying ban
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Unlawfully carrying a knife is an administrative offence with a fine up to €10,000; the knife is confiscated. In a weapons-ban zone or in rail/long-distance transport, separate bans apply, also fined. Carrying banned weapons (e.g. butterfly knives) is a crime with a fine or prison.
📎 Official sources
- Federal Interior Ministry · weapons-law changes 2024 FAQ →
- Weapons Act (WaffG) · legal text →
- Bußgeldkatalog · Weapons Act: knives →
❓ Frequently asked
What blade length may I carry?
Fixed-blade knives up to 12 cm may be carried in public. One-hand knives are banned regardless of length. In weapons-ban zones and long-distance transport, since 2024 any knife is prohibited.
Can I carry a one-hand knife?
Carrying it ready to hand is banned — no matter how short the blade. Only transport in a locked container, e.g. packed in a backpack or boot, without quick access, is allowed.
What changed in 2024?
The security package (in force since 31 Oct 2024) fully banned carrying knives on long-distance buses/trains, at folk festivals and events, and in municipal weapons-ban zones — regardless of blade length and design. A general 6 cm limit was not introduced.
Are there exceptions?
Yes, for a legitimate reason: job, custom, sport or trade. A tradesperson with a work knife or an angler on the way to the water may carry the right knife — but not for "self-defence".
What does unlawfully carrying a knife cost?
Up to €10,000 fine, and the knife is confiscated. Carrying banned weapons such as butterfly or fist knives is even a crime with a fine or prison.
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