GermanyHow long must we be separated before divorce?
In Germany, you generally need to live separately for at least one year before filing for divorce. If both spouses agree to the divorce, this period applies. If only one spouse wants it, the separation period is three years.
What the Law Says
German divorce law does not require a formal 'separation agreement' but focuses on factual separation — meaning the shared marital life has ended. The length of that separation determines when divorce can be granted.
Under § 1565 of the German Civil Code (BGB), a marriage can be dissolved only if it has 'broken down' — defined as the end of the spouses’ shared domestic life and no reasonable expectation of reconciliation.
§ 1567 clarifies what counts as 'living separately': it occurs when there is no shared household and at least one spouse clearly refuses to restore the marital community — even if both still live under the same roof.
The standard waiting period is one year of separation if both spouses consent to the divorce. If only one spouse seeks divorce, the separation period extends to three years — unless exceptional hardship justifies an earlier divorce.
Statutory TextEine Ehe kann geschieden werden, wenn sie gescheitert ist. Die Ehe ist gescheitert, wenn die Lebensgemeinschaft der Ehegatten nicht mehr besteht und nicht erwartet werden kann, dass die Ehegatten sie wiederherstellen.
— BGB § 1565 — German Civil Code
Statutory TextLeben die Ehegatten noch nicht ein Jahr getrennt, so kann die Ehe nur geschieden werden, wenn die Fortsetzung der Ehe für den Antragsteller aus Gründen, die in der Person des anderen Ehegatten liegen, eine unzumutbare Härte darstellen würde.
— BGB § 1565(2) — German Civil Code
Statutory TextDie Ehegatten leben getrennt, wenn zwischen ihnen keine häusliche Gemeinschaft besteht und ein Ehegatte sie erkennbar nicht herstellen will, weil er die eheliche Lebensgemeinschaft ablehnt. Die häusliche Gemeinschaft besteht auch dann nicht mehr, wenn die Ehegatten innerhalb der ehelichen Wohnung getrennt leben.
— BGB § 1567(1) — German Civil Code
Statutory TextEin Zusammenleben über kürzere Zeit, das der Versöhnung der Ehegatten dienen soll, unterbricht oder hemmt die in § 1566 bestimmten Fristen nicht.
— BGB § 1567(2) — German Civil Code
What Courts Have Said
German courts have clarified how separation is proven — especially when spouses remain in the same residence — and confirmed that short reconciliation attempts do not restart the statutory clock.
Living separately within the same marital home satisfies the legal requirement for separation if spouses have objectively ended shared domestic life — e.g., separate bedrooms, finances, meals, and no joint social activities.
What to Do
Confirm that your shared household has truly ended — including finances, sleeping arrangements, meals, and social life.
Document the start date of separation (e.g., signed statement, move-out notice, witness testimony).
If living under one roof, clearly establish and maintain separate living spheres to meet § 1567 criteria.
File for divorce after 1 year (with mutual consent) or 3 years (without consent), or consult a lawyer about hardship grounds if continuing the marriage causes severe emotional or physical harm.
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US-New YorkNot 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.