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German name law

Information, procedure and appointments

General information on German name law and the procedures of name declarations

Name declaration “married name”

The name of a German national does not automatically change by marriage alone. The spouses can opt for one of their last names to become a so-called “married name” (Ehename) either when they get married or later through a married name declaration.

Name declaration after divorce or death of a spouse

The name of a German national does not change automatically by divorce or death of a spouse. However, after the divorce or death of a spouse, it is possible to change the name back to the maiden name or a previous married name by name declaration.

Name declaration for a child

If a child of German parents is born abroad, the child's last name is not automatically evident according to German law, even if the foreign (e.g. Australian) birth certificate already contains a surname of the child. Depending on the circumstances, a name declaration may be necessary.

Name declaration for children aged 18 and older

If the parents of a child aged 18 or older are married at the time of its birth and they do not have a married name, a name declaration may be necessary. The child aged 18 or older can then choose the name of the mother or the father as its birth name.

Name declaration under public law

If a name change is not possible under the provisions of the German Civil Code (BGB), a name declaration under public law can be applied for as an exception. A name declaration under public law is only possible if it is justified with an important reason.

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