Lock Pick Laws in Germany
Complete guide to lock pick legality across Germany. Browse 1 covered regions with detailed legal information.
Germany addresses lock picks under StGB § 243 (Aggravated theft/Besonders schwerer Fall des Diebstahls), which considers possession of break-in tools as an aggravating factor only when used in connection with theft. Mere possession for hobby, educational, or professional purposes is not criminalized. Germany has one of the most active and well-organized locksport communities in Europe through SSDeV (Sportsfreunde der Sperrtechnik Deutschland e.V.), which hosts regular competitions and has strong relationships with law enforcement for educational purposes.
- •StGB § 243 only applies when tools are used in theft—possession alone is legal
- •No license or registration required for hobby possession
- •SSDeV is the premier German locksport organization (founded 1997)
- •Active competition scene with German Open championships
- •Strong relationships between locksport community and security industry
- •Schengen zone travel generally straightforward for hobbyists
- •Major lock manufacturers (ABUS, DOM, BKS) are German companies
Jurisdictions by Legal Status
Regions grouped by their overall lock pick legality status
Germany has one of the world's most active and respected locksport communities. Traveling with picks for hobby purposes within Germany and the Schengen zone is generally straightforward. SSDeV membership provides excellent documentation if questioned, and German police are increasingly familiar with the hobby due to SSDeV's educational outreach. For EU travel, remember that while Germany is permissive, some neighboring countries (particularly outside Schengen) may have different regulations—always research your destination.
No specific restrictions in Germany. Keep picks with hobby materials (practice locks, documentation). Autobahn travel with picks is completely normal for hobbyists. For cross-border driving, research destination country regulations.
Checked baggage only for all flights from German airports. Lufthansa and other airlines follow standard EU aviation security rules. Schengen flights are generally hassle-free for documented hobbyists. Non-Schengen destinations require extra research.
Deutsche Bahn has no restrictions on lock picks. Keep in your bag with documentation. For international trains (ICE to France, Thalys to Belgium, etc.), remember you may be entering different legal jurisdictions—research applies.
- ✓Carry SSDeV membership card if a member—it's widely recognized by German authorities
- ✓Keep picks with practice locks (Übungsschlösser) to demonstrate hobby context
- âś“Have event documentation if attending LockCon, German Open, or other competitions
- ✓Know key German terms: 'Lockpicking als Hobby' (lock picking as a hobby), 'Sportöffnen' (sport opening)
- âś“For Schengen travel: research destination country laws even if similar to Germany
- âś—Carry picks without any documentation or hobby context materials
- ✗Assume all officials understand locksport—be prepared to explain clearly
- âś—Travel to non-Schengen countries without researching their specific regulations
- âś—Forget that Austria, Switzerland have different laws despite German language
- âś—Carry picks to political events or demonstrations
Common Questions for Germany
Additional Resources
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