Pocket Knife 🇩🇪 Germany
Allowed if blade ≤ 12 cm and non-locking; carry restrictions in public
Can I bring Pocket Knife into Germany?
Allowed if blade ≤ 12 cm and non-locking; carry restrictions in public
Full details
Under the German Weapons Act (Waffengesetz), single-edged folding knives with a blade up to 12 cm and no one-handed-opening locking mechanism are generally allowed in luggage. Locking one-handed-openable folding knives are restricted from being carried in public (§42a WaffG). Fixed-blade knives over 12 cm and any switchblade / butterfly / push-dagger styles are prohibited from import or possession.
Occasional — Enforcement reported intermittently.
Pack any pocket knife in checked luggage. If you carry one in public for a 'legitimate purpose' (work, sport), be ready to explain — fishing, camping and culinary tools are common acceptable purposes.
Blade ≤ 12 cm, non-locking, single-edged
Waffengesetz (WaffG) §42a, Annex 1
This page covers destination customs rules in Germany. Whether you can carry pocket knife through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Related rules
Pocket Knife rules in other countries
Pocket Knife
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Folding blades under 3 inches permitted in public. Locking knives and longer blades restricted.
Pocket Knife
🇦🇺 Australia
Non-locking folding knives generally permitted
Pocket Knife
🇯🇵 Japan
Blades over 6cm prohibited under Firearms and Swords Control Law
Pocket Knife
🇸🇬 Singapore
Offensive weapons prohibited under Arms & Explosives Act
Pocket Knife
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Bladed weapons prohibited under Federal Penal Code
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🇺🇸 United States
Legal to bring; TSA prohibits in carry-on