GermanyHow is marital property divided in divorce?
In Germany, marital property is divided through the 'equalization of accrued gains' (Zugewinnausgleich): the spouse with higher net asset growth during marriage pays half the difference to the other spouse.
What the Law Says
Germany does not automatically split all marital property 50/50. Instead, it applies the 'community of accrued gains' (Zugewinngemeinschaft) regime by default — unless spouses choose a different marital property regime (e.g., separation of property). Upon divorce, the law triggers an equalization claim (Ausgleichsforderung) under BGB § 1378.
The equalization claim ensures fairness: if one spouse’s net wealth increased more than the other’s during the marriage, the spouse with the larger gain owes half the difference to the other. This is called the 'surplus' (Überschuss).
The claim is capped by the debtor spouse’s net end assets — i.e., total assets minus debts at the time the marital property regime ends (usually divorce). In cases where certain assets (e.g., inheritances or gifts) are added back per § 1375(2), that amount increases the cap.
The claim arises automatically upon divorce (or other termination of the marital property regime) and is immediately inheritable and transferable. Spouses may agree on the equalization *during* divorce proceedings — but such agreements must be notarized (or recorded in court protocol), and no binding agreement about the claim can be made *before* the regime ends.
Statutory Text(1) Übersteigt der Zugewinn des einen Ehegatten den Zugewinn des anderen, so steht die Hälfte des Überschusses dem anderen Ehegatten als Ausgleichsforderung zu.
— BGB § 1378 — German Civil Code
Statutory Text(2) Die Höhe der Ausgleichsforderung wird durch den Wert des Vermögens begrenzt, das nach Abzug der Verbindlichkeiten bei Beendigung des Güterstands vorhanden ist.
— BGB § 1378 — German Civil Code
Statutory Text(3) Die Ausgleichsforderung entsteht mit der Beendigung des Güterstands und ist von diesem Zeitpunkt an vererblich und übertragbar. Eine Vereinbarung, die die Ehegatten während eines Verfahrens, das auf die Auflösung der Ehe gerichtet ist, für den Fall der Auflösung der Ehe über den Ausgleich des Zugewinns treffen, bedarf der notariellen Beurkundung...
— BGB § 1378 — German Civil Code
What Courts Have Said
German courts clarify how to value assets and treat complex holdings like business interests when calculating the equalization claim.
The court confirmed that asset valuations for Zugewinnausgleich must reflect market value as of the date the marital property regime ends (typically divorce), and clarified that business interests must be valued based on their actual economic substance—not just book value—especially when one spouse actively manages the enterprise.
What to Do
Determine each spouse’s initial and final net worth (assets minus debts) using valuation dates set by law: start = marriage date; end = divorce date.
Calculate individual ‘accrued gains’ (Zugewinn) by subtracting initial net worth from final net worth (with adjustments for gifts, inheritances, and debts).
Compute the difference between the two gains — then take half of that surplus as the equalization claim.
Verify whether the claim exceeds the debtor spouse’s net end assets — if so, the claim is reduced to that amount.
If agreeing on settlement terms during divorce proceedings, ensure the agreement is notarized or formally recorded in court.
Sources
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JapanNot 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.