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Airgun law · World
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 — permit-free band for low-power, licence required above.
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.
The rules in detail
Classification
Threshold-based
Waffengesetz (WaffG): airguns at or below 7.5 J with the official 'F-in-pentagon' proof mark are licence-free. Above 7.5 J, full firearms licensing (WBK) applies.
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. 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
—
Turkey
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Small game
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Predators
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Other big game
Unresolved / not addressed
—
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.
This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.