Quite Hours (Ruhezeit) in Germany – Must Follow Rule [2024] (2024)

Kinds of Noise Forbidden By German Law

Normal noise is up to 50 decibels, and noise beyond that is forbidden by law in Germany. Noise pollution that is prohibited by law includes activities as mentioned below;

• Running the leaf blowers
• Loud gatherings, events, and organizing parties
• Use of chainsaws and hedge cutters
• Washing clothes in a washing machine
• Vacuuming the house with a vacuum cleaner
• Cutting the grass from your lawn
• Cleaning your vehicles
• Using loud electric pieces of equipment and appliances
• Any construction work
• Snow blowers
• Any DIY do-it-yourself job like drilling
• Water pumps and motors
• Use of hammers
• Listening loud music

These are all kinds of noise that are not allowed legally. If you create any above noise, your neighbors may file a complaint. If someone complains about you, you can request your neighbors that you will not do this again and take care next time. Your neighbors may call the police and can go to court too, so it is highly recommended that you try to abide by the German Laws of quietness.

On the other hand, if your neighbors are making noise, you can also make noise complaints. Before going to the police or court, leave an anonymous note to your neighbors and ask them to stop making noise. If they do not follow the German Ruhezeit rules, you can call the police and go to court.