Ruhezeit (Quiet hours) in Germany [2024] - Navigate Germany

If you have the habit of doing all house chores during the weekend, then you must know about the quiet hours in Germany before you move there. You cannot run your washing machine, cut extra grass from your lawn, vacuum your home’s carpet, and clean your car at any time you want to as there are specific rules regarding Ruhezeit in Germany.

“Ruhezeit” Define

Being new in Germany you will be surprised to know that nothing happens on Sundays in Germany. Everything is closed  and people do not work as Sunday in Germany is the rest day which is known as Ruhezeit that means making noise on Sundays is legally forbidden in Germany. There are certain fines and penalties for breaching the German rule of Ruhezeit. 

Quietness Rules in Germany

Noise pollution increases with the increase in population of any country. The German government has imposed Ruhezeit laws in all German cities. Germans attend church and enjoy with friends and families on Sundays as they have nothing to do.

Type of Noise Forbidden By German Law

Normal noise is up to 50 decibels, exceeding which is not allowed by law in Germany. Here are the noise pollution that is not allowed;

• Cleaning the vehicles
• Water pumps and motors
• Use of hammers
• Vacuuming the house with a vacuum cleaner
• Using loud electric equipment and appliances
• Construction work
• Cutting the grass from lawn
• Use of leaf blowers
• Running the washing machine
• Loud gatherings and parties
• Any DIY job like drilling 
• Use of chainsaws and hedge cutters
• Snow blowers
• Loud music

If anyone is making such noise, people can file a complaint which might result in a huge fine. Before going to the police or court, it is recommended to leave an anonymous note to the one who is making noise and ask to stop it. If they do not follow the German Ruhezeit rules, call the police and go to the court.

Quiet Hours in Germany

Time to stay quiet in Germany is from 10 pm every day to 7 am on weekdays, and the entire Sunday. This may vary from city to city. For example; in Hamburg, quiet hours are between 1 pm to 3 pm. In Berlin, quiet hours are between 10 pm to 6 am. These rules are implemented on all public holidays in Germany when an entire day will be considered a quiet day.

Wrapping Up

Germany is strict in Ruhezeit rules but still, you can face noise problems in your surroundings. There are multiple cases when people are fined because of arranging barbeque parties during quiet hours. If you want to do anything, ask your neighbors and get all the information before signing a rental agreement to avoid any inconvenience.