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VIDEO

VIDEO: What are Germany’s strangest laws and social norms?

Germany is famous for having countless laws and regulations. Here are the oddest legal regulations - as well as some unspoken social rules.

Published: 24 September 2019 14:55 CEST
VIDEO: What are Germany's strangest laws and social norms?
If a chimney sweeper shows up at your door, or on your roof, you best let him in, no matter how old fashioned he might be. Photo: DPA

Germany made headlines on Monday with its latest legal ruling that a hangover is considered an illness – a decision made just in time for those thinking of calling in sick after Oktoberfest in Munich.

Yet that's not the only piece of German legalize likely to turn heads.

In the following video, we take a look at some of the wackiest longstanding laws in the Bundesrepublik – as well as what are often thought to be laws, but will likely just get you a sharp stare or reprimanding from your neighbours if you break them.

Member comments

  1. Rachel, the video missed one of the craziest laws . . . .
    If you are found drunk riding a bicycle, then you lose your driving licence. I’ve always thought that that went a bit beyond the weird and wonderful.

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POLICE

Spain’s Civil Guard police officers allowed to have visible tattoos

Spain on Monday relaxed its policy banning officers from the country's oldest police force, the Guardia Civil, from exhibiting tattoos.

Published: 9 November 2021 09:38 CET
civil guard spain gun
The increasing popularity of tattoos has led police forces around the world to regulate their use. Photo: Rafa Rivas/AFP

Officers will now be allowed to display tattoos anywhere on their bodies “as long as they do not contain expressions that violate constitutional values or harm the discipline or image of the force,” the interior minister said in a statement.

“For the first time visible tattoos will be allowed on uniformed officers,” it added.

On the other hand, the decree prohibits hoop earrings, spikes, plugs and other inserts when they are visible in uniform, “except regular earrings, for both male and female personnel”.

The Guardia Civil mainly patrols and investigates crimes in rural areas, while Spain’s National Police focuses on urban areas.

Last year Spain’s leftist government appointed a woman to head the force for the first time in its 177-year history.

The increasing popularity of tattoos has led police forces around the world to regulate their use.

Los Angeles police are required to ensure that tattoos are not visible to the public while on-duty, while France’s Gendarmes police force also requires that they be covered.

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