One’s own name is imminent to our constitutionally guaranteed right to our personality and has an exceeding importance to many people. Often times, the German name law could not account for different life situations and realities any longer. The reigning name law was very strict and made it difficult – especially in international settings – to realize one’s chosen name in Germany as well.

Difficulties arise especially regarding born or married names. German law formerly established strict requirements regarding a child’s born name: Were the parents married and determined a common married name, the child automatically received this married name as well. Married parents who did not determine a married name, could choose the child’s born name. Children born out of wedlock or to married parents who did not make any determinations would automatically receive the mother’s last name. The laws concerning married names were also faulty. Until this time, only one of the spouses could carry a hyphenated last name.

In short: German name law was no longer time appropriate.

The German Bundestag has voted on a reform of the name law which came into effect on May 1st, 2025. We present the most significant changes in the law in the following:

  • Introduction of a true hyphenated family name for spouses and children

Spouses can now choose a hyphenated name consisting of both premarital last names and determine this as the common married name. The children of these spouses then receive the common married name as their born name. Parents can also choose a hyphenated last name for their children even when they do not choose this name for themselves – this does not even require the parents to be married. The connection of both last names can be established with or without a hyphen. Name chains consisting of more than two family names cannot be established this way.

  • Simplified name change for stepchildren or children of divorce

Children shall no longer be bound to the last name they no longer feel connected to. For example, when the parent’s marriage with the stepparent is dissolved, the child’s name change can be reversed more easily. When a divorced parent reverses their own married name, the child is now able to follow this decision for their own name as well. They will also be able to receive a hyphenated last name instead.

  • Respecting international name traditions

If another country has different name traditions, the person will be able to realize these through their German name as well.

  • Modernisation of international name law

Name law will now be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which the person takes their usual domicile. This is usually the country of residence. It will also be possible to choose the jurisdiction of one’s home country. This will apply to both born names and married names.

These long-awaited modernisations of German name law will simplify the process for many people to establish the name they are already living in German bureaucracy as well. Additionally, many Germans abroad will be able to carry the same name in both countries if this wasn’t possible previously.