What is the Legal Drinking Age in Germany?
One of the biggest things that Germany is known for, is its fantastic beer culture.
From Oktoberfest to soccer games and beer gardens, beer is always flowing in Germany.
That said, if you are heading to Germany to take part in one of these events, it’s always wise to know what the laws are concerning the legal drinking age.
Trust me, having travelled to Germany many times with kids of varying ages, we also wanted to make sure that we knew the rules!
Especially when our teenage kids were itching to try the German beer!
In this post, we’ll take a look at the legal drinking age in Germany, what you need to know as a traveller, and some tips to make sure you stay safe and have fun while enjoying Germany’s amazing culture. Prost!
What is the Legal Drinking Age in Germany?
The legal drinking age in Germany is 16 for beer and wine and 18 for spirits and other distilled alcoholic beverages.
This means that people who are 16 years of age or older are allowed to buy and consume beer and wine in public places such as bars, restaurants, and festivals.
However, they must be 18 years or older to purchase and drink spirits such as whiskey, gin, and vodka.
This also means that minors under the legal drinking age are not allowed to purchase or consume alcohol in public.
It’s also illegal to sell alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated or to encourage someone under the legal drinking age to drink.
🍻 It is worth mentioning that while the legal drinking age in Germany may be lower than in other countries, the drinking culture is often more responsible and moderate.
Beer Culture in Germany
When it comes to beer culture, I’m sure that you will agree, that few countries can hold a candle to Germany.
From Oktoberfest to the quality and traditions behind the brewing process, beer is definitely woven into the fabric of German culture.
Oktoberfest
But, first things first, let’s talk about Oktoberfest!
Held annually in Munich, Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival and draws millions of visitors from around the world.
For 16 days, you can enjoy a variety of German beers, from light and refreshing lagers to more robust and flavorful brews.
Contrary to popular belief, Oktoberfest isn’t just about the beer! It also celebrates German culture, with traditional food, music, and dress.
And if you haven’t been, definitely add Oktoberfest to your family’s travel bucket list.
Beer in General
Of course, the German love for beer goes beyond just one festival.
In fact, the German language itself is filled with beer terms, with words like “Biergarten” (beer garden), “Bierkrug” (beer mug), and “Bierstube” (beer pub) being common parlance.
But perhaps the most notable aspect of German beer culture is the emphasis on quality and tradition.
German breweries are known for adhering to strict brewing standards, using only the best ingredients and traditional brewing methods.
This commitment to quality has helped make German beer some of the most highly regarded in the world, with styles like Pilsner, Dunkel, and Bock gaining popularity among beer enthusiasts worldwide.
What are the Rules Regarding Drinking in Germany?
So, with beer playing such an important part in German culture, it does stand to reason that there would be plenty of rules in place to make sure that people are not going overboard with their alcohol consumption.
Not to worry, the rules governing the drinking age in Germany are fairly straightforward. These laws apply to public places such as bars, restaurants, and festivals.
And just like many countries do with driver’s licences, the German government has adopted a graduated approach to drinking, based on age. Let’s have a look.
Drinking Age in Germany
👨👩👧👦 14 and Under – Can consume alcohol in public under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian, but are not able to purchase it themselves.
🍺 16 Years Old – Can purchase and consume beer and wine.
🍾 18 Years Old – Can purchase and consume Spirits and other distilled alcoholic beverages.
Purchasing or Selling Alcohol in Germany
It is illegal to sell alcohol to minors under the legal drinking age or to encourage them to drink.
This means that if you are a vendor selling alcohol, you must check the identification of anyone who looks under the legal drinking age.
Similarly, if you are an adult and you purchase alcohol for a minor, you could face legal consequences.
Impaired Driving in Germany
Lastly, it is also important to remember that drinking and driving laws in Germany are strict, and penalties for driving under the influence can be severe.
In fact, Germany’s legal limit of Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is lower than that of North America at .5mg per ml of blood.
A first impaired driving offence will likely result in a 500 Euro fine, a one-month license suspension, and two points on your driver’s license.
So if you plan on drinking, make sure that you arrange for a designated driver or use public transportation to get home safely.
Drinking in Public in Germany
Drinking alcohol (especially beer) in public is not only legal but very common in Germany.
And although you may not see it too often in some of the smaller parts of town (with the exception of during soccer matches of course!), you are free to drink in public, whether it’s strolling down the street, or even while riding on a train.
You are most likely to see drinking in the streets in larger cities like Berlin or Munich. In fact, Germans even have a noun for a beer that you carry with you – Wegbier!
When Can a Person Legally Drink Alcohol in Germany?
What is the Drinking Age for Beer in Germany?
As we mentioned earlier, the minimum age to consume alcoholic drinks in Germany is 16.
This means that if you are 16 years old or older you can legally purchase and consume beer in public places such as bars, restaurants, and festivals.
Our 16-year-old daughter was definitely in a hurry to order a beer during our visit to the Stuttgart Christmas Market last year (she doesn’t even like beer!). Just for the experience!
This age limit only applies to beer, wine, and other fermented beverages with an alcohol content of up to 15%.
Is 14 the Legal Drinking Age in Germany?
No, 14 is not the legal drinking age in Germany.
The legal drinking age for beer and wine in Germany is 16, while for spirits and other distilled alcoholic beverages, it is 18.
While the legal drinking age in Germany is definitely lower than in many other countries, this should not lead to the misconception that 14 is the legal drinking age.
Can a 12-Year-Old Drink Beer in Germany?
No, a 12-year-old cannot legally drink beer in Germany.
In fact, underage drinking in Germany is not tolerated, and it’s illegal for minors to purchase or consume alcohol in public.
Of course, parents or legal guardians may allow their children to drink alcohol in their own homes, but this must be done in a responsible and supervised manner.
What is the Drinking Age in Germany for Tourists?
The legal drinking age in Germany is the same for both tourists and citizens.
The legal drinking age for beer and wine is 16, while the legal drinking age for distilled spirits and other alcoholic beverages is 18.
Tourists under the age of 18 are subject to the same drinking age restrictions as German citizens.
Can a 16-Year-Old American Drink in Germany?
Yes. If you’re an American who is 16 years old and travelling to Germany, you can legally drink beer and wine in Germany at the age of 16.
This is regardless of how old you have to be to drink in the United States.
Access and Availability to Alcohol in Germany
In Germany, you will find that alcohol is readily available in many places.
However, access to and availability of alcohol in Germany is regulated by laws to ensure responsible consumption.
For example, minors under the legal drinking age are not allowed to purchase or consume alcohol in public.
Conversely, businesses selling alcohol are required to check customers’ IDs to ensure compliance with the law.
Alcohol sales are also restricted during certain times of the day and week. In most places, alcohol can only be sold from Monday to Saturday between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., and not at all on Sundays or public holidays.
However, there are some exceptions to these rules, particularly during major events like Oktoberfest.
At What Age Can You Drink with Parents in Germany?
In Germany, children under the age of 14 are allowed to consume alcohol when accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
This means that if you’re under 14 and you’re out with your parents at a restaurant or other public place, your parents can legally give you a small amount of alcohol to drink.
But just a heads up kids, you are only allowed to consume beer and wine. Not only that, parents are expected to exercise responsibility and good judgment when allowing their children to consume alcohol.
It is definitely not okay for parents to give their young children large amounts of alcohol or to allow them to become intoxicated!
Older children between the ages of 14 and 16 are allowed to consume beer and wine in public places if accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
This means that parents can give permission for their children to drink in certain social situations. But again, it’s important to exercise responsibility and make sure that children are drinking in moderation.
Of course, allowing children under 16 to consume alcohol in public places without parental supervision is not legal and can result in fines for both the parents and the establishment serving the alcohol.
Why Can You Drink at 16 in Germany?
One of the main reasons why Germany has such a low drinking age is because they would rather teach young people to have an appropriate approach to alcohol consumption, rather than keep them away from alcohol.
Of course, another reason could be Germany’s strong beer culture, which dates back centuries and is deeply ingrained in the country’s history and traditions.
Beer is often considered a staple beverage in Germany, and drinking beer is seen as a social and cultural activity that is enjoyed by people of all ages.
This cultural acceptance of alcohol, particularly beer and wine, is one reason why Germany has a lower legal drinking age compared to other countries.
Of course, over the years there has been much debate about raising the drinking age to 18. Many people believe that early alcohol consumption can lead to health and addiction problems later in life.
Can Tourists Bring Alcohol into Germany?
Yes, tourists are generally allowed to bring alcohol into Germany for personal consumption, but there are some restrictions and regulations that need to be considered.
Within the European Union (EU)
If you’re travelling to Germany from within the European Union (EU), you can bring an unlimited amount of alcoholic beverages for personal use without paying any customs duty or taxes.
From Outside the European Union (EU)
In order for a tourist to bring alcohol into the European Union from a non-EU country, they must be at least 17 years of age.
According to the rules of the EU, there are also limits on the amount of alcohol you can bring if you’re travelling from outside the European Union:
- 4 litres of still wine and
- 16 litres of beer
In addition, you may also bring:
- 1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. (such as vodka or gin) or
- 1 litre of undenatured alcohol (ethyl alcohol) of 80% vol. (or over) or
- 2 litres of fortified (for example sherry or port) or sparkling wine.
If you’re carrying more alcohol than the allowed limit, you may have to pay customs duty and taxes or face penalties.
Some airlines and transportation providers may also have their own restrictions on the amount of alcohol you can bring on board.
What is the Legal Drinking Age in Germany? – FAQs
Underage drinking is a punishable offence in Germany, and the penalties can range from fines to community service. In severe cases, minors can be placed under parental supervision or youth probation under the Youth Protection Act.
Minors under the age of 16 are not allowed to purchase any type of alcoholic beverage in Germany. Those between 16 and 18 years of age can only buy beer and wine.
In some cases, minors can be granted permission to consume alcohol for special occasions, such as religious or cultural ceremonies. However, such permissions are granted on a case-by-case basis.
No, tourists under the age of 18 are subject to the same drinking age restrictions as German citizens.
Yes, there is a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving in Germany. The legal blood-alcohol limit for drivers is 0.05%.
Consuming alcohol in public places, such as parks or on the streets, is legal in Germany. However, public intoxication is not allowed.
Drinking in Germany – Final Thoughts
And that, my friends, is the scoop on the legal drinking age in Germany! Hopefully, you found this information as refreshing as a cold beer on a hot summer day.
And while the legal age may be lower than in some other countries, it’s important to remember to always drink responsibly and in moderation.
So if you do decide to indulge in a delicious German brew, be sure to raise a glass to the country’s rich brewing tradition and toast to good times with good friends. Prost!
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