New naming law: What applies from May 2025?
On May 1, 2025, a comprehensive reform of German naming law came into force, giving spouses and families significantly more flexibility when choosing a joint double name.
This is associated with an innovation in private international law: in future, the use of names by German nationals will in many cases be governed by the law of the country in which they live.
The previous regulations will continue to apply to name-related events such as marriages or births before May 1, 2025.
New naming law since May 2025
What does the new naming law say about double names?
Since May 1, 2025, married couples in Germany can also choose a double name from the surnames of both partners. The following applies:
- The double name can be chosen with or without a hyphen.
- The order of the two names must be the same for both partners.
- A maximum of two existing names can be used for the double name.
Anyone who is already married and has a joint married name can change it once from May. Anyone who did not choose a married name when they got married can do so at any time. Once the name has been chosen, it can no longer be changed.
An example of the new naming law for double names:
Lisa Becker and Lukas Schmidt get married in Germany. They can now specify their joint surname as "Becker-Schmidt", "Becker Schmidt", "Schmidt-Becker" or "Schmidt Becker".
In future, it will still be possible to choose one of the two names as a joint surname or to keep one's previous name. Similarly, only one spouse can have a double name.
What does the new naming law mean for children?
If married parents decide on a double name as their family name, their children automatically receive this double name.
If the parents are not married or have kept their own surname, their children can still adopt a double name. If parents do not choose a birth name for their child, the child automatically receives a double name
For children born before May 1, 2025, it is possible to subsequently change their birth name to a double name.
What does the new naming law say about gender-adapted names?
Gender-adapted forms of names will also be possible in future, provided this complies with the naming law of the country of origin. For example, the male name form "Novák" (Czech) can become the female name form "Nováková" for the wife.
What will change for German nationals abroad?
A central element of the new name reform concerns private international law:
The use of names by German nationals is now generally governed by the law of the country in which the person has their habitual residence - and not automatically by German law, as was previously the case.
This means that in more cases it is possible to adopt the name from foreign marriage and birth certificates.
What does that mean in concrete terms?
- Marriage or birth abroad from May 1, 2025: The name is automatically governed by the law of that country.
- No double name declaration is necessary: In many cases, the choice of name abroad is now also recognized in Germany - without a separate name declaration.
- You can make your own decision by declaring your choice of law: If you prefer German naming law, you can actively choose this by making a declaration - for example at the local registry office or via the German embassy.
Exemplary situations for persons with German citizenship from abroad with double names
Poland: Lisa Becker and Marek Kowalski live and marry in Poland. Lisa chooses "Becker-Kowalska" as her surname. This name is now automatically valid in Germany, and a name declaration does not have to be made as before.
Spain: Claudia Schulze and Pedro González Vicario live and marry in Spain and keep their own names. Under German naming law, they could choose a double name such as "Schulze-González" or "Vicario Schulze".
Switzerland: Lisa Becker and Lukas Schmidt (both German) live in Switzerland. They can choose the legal name "Becker-Schmidt" - this will then also apply to their children.
What applies to children born abroad under the new naming law?
New rules also apply to children born abroad to German parents:
- The birth name is determined by the law of the country of birth (e.g. Switzerland, Spain, Liechtenstein).
- As a rule, a name entered in a foreign document is automatically recognized in Germany.
- If parents wish to use a different name (e.g. double names), they can choose to apply German naming law.
An example of naming children abroad:
Marie Becker and Lukas Schmidt (German nationality) live in Spain. Their daughter Lena is entered in the Spanish register with the name "Lena Becker Schmidt". This name can now also be transferred directly to the German passport.
Tips for parents and married couples on the new naming law
1. inform yourself in good time: Before getting married or giving birth abroad, it is worth talking to the registry office or the German embassy.
2 Check your options: Depending on your country of residence and nationality, double names or gender-adapted forms may or may not be permitted.
3. let us advise you: The pme Familienservice will be happy to assist you with all questions relating to family law, parenthood and international constellations. Prerequisite: Your company is a cooperation partner of pme Familienservice with a corresponding contract.
Maternity protection, child benefit & co.: the pme parent advice service
Our parent counselors support parents in all matters from pregnancy to the child's adulthood.
Personal and confidential: We are there for you online, by phone and on site. You can find more information on the pme parent counseling page.
