GermanyWhat is a joint will (Berliner Testament)?
A joint will (Berliner Testament) is a single testamentary document made by married spouses that contains reciprocal provisions — typically naming each other as sole heir first, and a final heir (e.g., children) after the second spouse dies.
What the Law Says
German law strictly limits who can create a joint will and how it can be changed. Only married spouses may execute one — no cohabiting partners or civil unions qualify. Once signed, its reciprocal provisions become legally binding in stages: during marriage, revocation is highly restricted; after the first spouse dies, the survivor generally cannot undo the agreed-upon final disposition.
A joint will — commonly called a 'Berliner Testament' — is not just two individual wills in one envelope. It is a single legal instrument governed by §§ 2265–2271 of the German Civil Code (BGB). Its defining feature is 'wechselbezügliche Verfügungen' (reciprocal dispositions): each spouse’s testamentary decision depends on and refers to the other’s — for example, 'I appoint my spouse as sole heir, and upon their death, our children shall inherit everything.'
Because these provisions are interdependent, German law treats them as a unified arrangement — more like a contract than two separate wills. This creates strong legal constraints, especially after the first death.
Statutory TextEin gemeinschaftliches Testament kann nur von Ehegatten errichtet werden.
— BGB § 2265 — Joint will of spouses
Statutory TextDer Widerruf einer Verfügung, die mit einer Verfügung des anderen Ehegatten in dem in § 2270 bezeichneten Verhältnis steht, erfolgt bei Lebzeiten der Ehegatten nach der für den Rücktritt von einem Erbvertrag geltenden Vorschrift des § 2296. Durch eine neue Verfügung von Todes wegen kann ein Ehegatte bei Lebzeiten des anderen seine Verfügung nicht einseitig aufheben.
— BGB § 2271(1) — Revocation of reciprocal dispositions in joint will
What Courts Have Said
German courts emphasize that the binding nature of a Berliner Testament crystallizes upon the first spouse’s death — protecting the expectations of final heirs and preventing last-minute changes by the survivor.
The court confirmed that reciprocal dispositions in a Berliner Testament become irrevocable for the surviving spouse after the first death. The survivor cannot unilaterally revoke the appointment of the final heir — even by making a new will — unless they formally disclaim the inheritance.
What to Do
Confirm both parties are legally married — unmarried partners cannot use a Berliner Testament.
Consult a notary before signing: while handwritten joint wills are technically possible, notarization prevents challenges and ensures compliance.
Discuss and document mutual intent clearly — vague language risks invalidating the reciprocal effect.
If the surviving spouse wishes to change the final disposition, they must either disclaim the inheritance within 6 weeks (§ 1943 BGB) or seek court approval under narrow exceptions (e.g., § 2294 or § 2336 BGB).
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Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.