Is it legal to record a call in Germany?
In Germany, recording phone calls generally follows All-party consent. Here's what that means in plain language — with the source and what you can and can't do.
Consent required from everyone All-party
Everyone on the call must agree before you record. Recording without all-party consent can be a criminal offence. Get clear agreement at the start of the call. Telephone recording without all-party consent is generally criminal.
- Ask and get everyone's agreement before recording.
- State clearly that the call is being recorded.
- Don't record secretly — even calls you take part in.
- Don't keep or share a recording made without consent.
⚖ Informational only — not legal advice. This data may be out of date and laws change often — always verify your country's current legislation (tap the source link above) before recording, and consult a qualified lawyer for your specific case.
Backed by a real court ruling
Case law
BVerfG, Order of 31 Jan 1973 (the "Tonband" decision) — German Federal Constitutional Court, 1973
The general right of personality includes the right to one's own spoken word; secret recording without consent violates it.Found in one independent research pass — treat as a strong lead, not yet fully cross-verified.
Read the ruling →More places with All-party rules
Frequently asked
Is it legal to record phone calls in Germany?
Consent required from everyone. Everyone on the call must agree before you record. Recording without all-party consent can be a criminal offence. Get clear agreement at the start of the call. Telephone recording without all-party consent is generally criminal.
Do I need the other person's consent to record a call in Germany?
Everyone on the call must agree before you record. Recording without all-party consent can be a criminal offence. Get clear agreement at the start of the call.
Keep a record of your calls.
Klear can record calls on supported Android devices. Before recording, check the rules that apply to your call and get consent when required.