Change of name and surname in Germany is currently regulated by strict rules. For many citizens, the current situation becomes a serious obstacle when they need to undergo this procedure.
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For this reason, some regulations in this regard are currently met with misunderstanding. The federal government demonstrates the ability to adapt to this issue.
Change of name and surname in Germany: What will change
- At the end of August 2023, the cabinet submitted a new bill for consideration, allowing for a significant simplification of this procedure.
- On October 20, 2023, the Bundesrat also adopted most of the recommendations on the bill.
This includes, among other things, the possibility of reversing a name change in the event of parents' divorce.
Initially, the law was supposed to come into effect on May 1, 2025, but by decision of the Federal Council, it will be postponed to November 1, 2025. The reason is that changes in technical procedures at the registry offices are always implemented on November 1, and by 2024, the current system will not have time to restructure.
The real lives of people in Germany are often more diverse than the current legal situation implies. Changes in civil name law include innovations regarding women's and maiden names. Certain adjustments are planned.
Double Names
Until now, it has been impossible to use a double name as a common surname after marriage. With the change in legislation, both spouses – and even children – will be able to use it. For example, the entire family can be named "Richter-Friedman".
Interestingly, children can have a double name if their parents are not married. This provision should also be applicable retroactively to existing marriages.
Changing stepchildren's and children's names after divorce
If children were given the stepfather's surname, it will now be easier for them to revert to the name given at birth. This should apply to cases of the biological parent's and stepfather's marriage dissolution. In addition, children should have the opportunity to change their name after their parents' divorce.
The bill also provides that adults can change their name once at the registry office. There are several reasons for this.
For example, changing one parent's surname to another or changing the name at birth to a double name consisting of both parents' names. It will also be possible to shorten a double surname obtained at birth to one of the parents' surnames.
Last names by gender
In some cultures, it is customary to adapt the surname to women, for example, "Ivanova" instead of "Ivanov." This option should now be available in Germany under certain conditions.
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After the new law is implemented on November 1, 2025, children can have a double name if their parents are not married, with this provision also applicable retroactively to existing marriages. With the change in legislation, both spouses and their children will be able to use a double surname, such as "Richter-Friedman".
Under the new regulations, adults will be allowed to change their name once at the registry office, whether it's changing one parent's surname to another, changing the name at birth to a double name consisting of both parents' names, or shortening a double surname obtained at birth to one of the parents' surnames.
