Ask before you post photos of people
Recht am eigenen Bild
In Germany you need a person's permission before you publish a photo of them; posting without it can be a crime.
The rule
Everyone has the right to decide about pictures of themselves (Recht am eigenen Bild). Before you post or share a photo where someone can be recognised, ask them.
This includes Instagram, WhatsApp status and group chats with many people. Children need their parents' permission.
Exceptions: people only in the background of a landscape or building, large public gatherings, and public figures in public events.
Photographing other people's flats, number plates, or people in embarrassing situations can cause serious trouble.
Never film or photograph injured or dead people at an accident: taking or sharing such pictures can be a crime in itself.
What it costs
| If you… | Fine or cost |
|---|---|
| Publishing a photo of someone without permission | they can demand removal and damages; if they report it, a fine or up to 1 year in prison |
India vs Germany
In India, people often share group photos freely. In Germany, people may ask you to delete a photo of them, and they mean it.
German words for this
- das Foto · photo
- die Erlaubnis · permission
- veröffentlichen · to publish
- löschen · to delete
- der Datenschutz · data protection
Official sources
- § 22 Kunsturhebergesetz (permission)
- § 33 Kunsturhebergesetz (penalty)
- § 201a Strafgesetzbuch (accident victims)
Last checked: 8 November 2026, against the official sources named on each page. General information for learners, not legal advice: rules can change and some depend on your state or city. If something matters for you, check the official source or ask the office.
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