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Are Airguns Legal in Germany?
Yes, with conditions.
Generally legal, but with real rules to follow, usually age verification and, in some places, a low-power threshold.
Tier 3: Moderate
Threshold-based licensing: a permit-free band for low-power airguns, with a licence required above it.
DE
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive Germany is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).
ClassificationThreshold-based
Age rule18+
PossessionLicence required
Transfer / saleLicensed dealer process
TransportFirearm transport rules
AuthorityUnclear
Before you buy or sell
- 12 ft-lb / 16.3 J competition rifles are FIREARMS in Germany without proper paperwork.
- F-mark proof is country-specific: check with seller before importing.
- New since July 2025: multi-shot airguns firing bolts/arrows over 30 mm long need a WBK even at 7.5 J if their F-approval dates from 24 July 2025 or later.
The rules in detail
Classification
Threshold-based
Waffengesetz (WaffG): airguns at or below 7.5 J with the official 'F-in-pentagon' mark are licence-free. Above 7.5 J, full firearms licensing (WBK) applies. Since 24 July 2025, newly F-approved multi-shot airguns firing projectiles longer than 30 mm (arrow/bolt launchers) also need a WBK; guns F-approved before that date stay licence-free.
Age rule
18+
18+ for handling of weapons and ammunition; supervised youth shooting permitted at clubs.
Possession
Licence required
Licence-free for adults below 7.5 J with F-mark. Above 7.5 J a Waffenbesitzkarte (WBK) is required.
Transfer / sale
Licensed dealer process
Below threshold: free sale to adults. Above threshold: WBK + dealer record-keeping.
Transport
Firearm transport rules
Cased and unloaded outside private property. Since 31 Oct 2024 carrying any weapon, airguns included, is banned on long-distance trains and coaches and in their stations (WaffG § 42b) unless it is carried not ready to hand, e.g. locked in a case; the same applies at public events (§ 42) and in Länder weapon-ban zones. Above threshold: full firearm transport rules.
Authority
Unclear
National (federal) statute. Länder administer.
Hunting with an airgun
Hunting with airguns is generally not part of the German hunting framework.
Deer
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Turkey
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Small game
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Predators
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Other big game
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Import & travel
Local & import notes
Visitor / transit
Most field-target airguns at 12 ft-lb (16.3 J) exceed the 7.5 J limit and are treated as firearms. Without F-mark or WBK / EFP documentation, police will confiscate. One-time transit permits available for ~€35 from German weapons authorities.
Keep exploring
This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance. It isn't legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.