What is the Sunday law in Germany?
Asked by: Mr. Sylvan Feeney | Last update: May 23, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (56 votes)
In the Federal Republic of Germany, the Ladenschlussgesetz or "Shop Closing Law" (abbreviated: LadSchlG) is the federal "blue law" compelling retail stores to close to the public on Sundays and Christian holidays.
What are the Sunday rules in Germany?
What is the German Sunday law? Sundays in Germany are truly a day of rest. Germany's Sunday law dictates that German supermarkets are closed on Sundays. While a handful of other businesses like restaurants, museums, galleries and cafés will usually remain open on a Sunday, most German supermarkets will not.
Why does Germany shut down on Sundays?
In Germany, Sundays are sacred. The country considers them rest days, not just for people with white- or blue-collar jobs, but also for establishments (with only a handful of exceptions). Germans take the practice so seriously that Sundays are protected by the constitution.
What can't you do on a Sunday in Germany?
- Do loud DIY jobs, like hammering or drilling.
- Play loud music music, or hold noisy gatherings.
- Run noise-making electrical appliances like vacuum cleaners. ...
- Wash your car (except at a car wash, if you can find one that's open)
Is it illegal to vacuum on Sundays in Germany?
Vacuuming on Sundays in Germany is not explicitly illegal, but it is highly discouraged. Sundays are considered rest days, and any noise that could disturb the peace, such as using a vacuum cleaner, may lead to complaints from neighbors.
Sunday Law Experience in GERMANY (What it is like?)
Why can't you wash your car on Sunday in Germany?
The rule also applies to car washes. The strict law in Germany has a religious background, we learn from an article on car website 24Auto.de Sunday rest actually applies on this day and is even protected by the German constitution. It is a day of rest and mental relaxation.
Is it illegal to take pictures in Germany?
Taking photos in public spaces is generally legal, but photographing people without their consent can get you into trouble. If you are taking a picture of a street scene where people are incidental to the image, you are typically safe.
Why are Sundays so quiet in Germany?
Sunday is also a day of rest at home in Germany. Though what is considered as "Quiet law" varies from town to town, it is generally frowned upon to do any noisy housework on Sundays in Germany. This includes using motor-driven lawn equipment, such as a lawnmower, or home equipment like a loud vacuum.
Can you hang washing out on a Sunday in Germany?
Yeah apparently it's illegal to hang laundry outside (where it's visible from the road) on a Sunday. You know how Germans are with their Sunday obsession. But I can imagine enforcement isn't top priority for local authorities.
Why is it illegal to cut grass in Germany?
In Germany, raising a ruckus on Sundays, on holidays, and during late hours is a big no-no. Noise levels are kept to a minimum by law on Sundays and holidays from 8 p.m. until 7 a.m. That means no lawn-mowing, no drilling, hammering, sawing, or even heavy trucks on the roads.
Are German grocery stores closed on Sunday?
Germany has kept most stores closed Sundays since 1919. This originally was to uphold Christian values. Since Germanys church membership has drastically dropped since then it has evolved and been kept as part of a culture that tries to protect workers from corporations overworking them.
Can you get gas in Germany on Sunday?
Every Sunday stores and shops are generally closed (except most gas stations) and Saturday they often close earlier than during the week. While this is the case for stores and shops, most restaurants and cafes are open, even during holidays.
Is it illegal to be loud on Sundays in Germany?
The majority of shops are closed, most people aren't working, and it feels a bit like a ghost town. This is known as “Ruhezeit,” which means on Sundays (and weeknights after 10pm) that making noise is legitimately legally forbidden.
What is the silent day in Germany?
The Totensonntag is a so-called “silent day” (stiller Tag). In some German states music or dance events are prohibited by law. Like on any other Sunday, offices, banks and schools are closed. Public transport usually runs on a normal Sunday schedule.
What are you doing on Sunday in German?
was machst du am Sonntag?
Can Catholics wash clothes on Sunday?
Regarding, family life, a mother throwing clothes in the wash machine on a Sunday because her children need clean clothes is fine but doing it on Sunday shouldn't become a habit. So, what should the Lord's Day look like for Catholics? Here are some obligations and some suggestions.
Can I dry clothes in the balcony in Germany?
In Germany, even city dwellers air dry their wash on balconies in the summer and on collapsible indoor racks in the winter. They make room for the drying racks as needed even in the smallest apartments.
What not to do on Sunday in Germany?
Making noise
You will make yourself very unpopular if you mow the lawn, use your electric drill or invite your 16-year-old nephew's heavy metal band to practice between the hours of 10pm and 7am, around lunch time or on Sundays and public holidays.
How to not be rude in Germany?
Having a loud conversation, talking loud on the phone, or listening to loud music are considered very impolite as you will disturb other people. German people love to have their privacy. If you see a closed door, it doesn't mean that the person inside does not want you to come in.
What do German people do on Sundays?
Well, many Germans are religious and attend church on Sundays. Others engage in volksmarching, long-distance hiking in the country, often accompanied at walk's end by a beer tent with good food and beer. And there are movies open as well, so you can go to the cinema.
What is not allowed to download in Germany?
Copyrighted Content
Even if shared through Telegram, downloading copyrighted media without authorization is considered illegal downloading under German copyright law. Germany has strict copyright enforcement, and authorities monitor unauthorized downloads.
Can you film cops in Germany?
If you are at a public space, then you are allowed to be there as long as you don't “disrupt” police work. As long as you keep a distance of about 6m and film from there (using your camera's zoom if needed), police shouldn't have a reason to ask you to leave on the grounds of “disturbing” their work.
Can you wear glasses in passport photo Germany?
The eyes of the subject should be clearly visible, and not covered by the hair or frame of the glasses. Sunglasses, tinted glasses, or reflections of glasses are not acceptable in the photos. Passport photos must be printed on high-quality paper. Face takes 70 to 80 percent of the whole photo.