What mutual obligations do spouses have during marriage?

What the Law Says

German family law establishes core mutual duties between spouses during marriage — centered on shared life, mutual support, and responsibility. These obligations are not absolute and include important limits to protect individual autonomy and dignity.

Under German law, marriage creates a legally binding 'marital community of life' (eheliche Lebensgemeinschaft). This means spouses must live together, support each other emotionally and materially, and act in good faith toward one another.

However, this duty does not mean either spouse can be forced to live together against their will — especially if the marriage has broken down or if the demand for cohabitation amounts to an abuse of rights.

The law recognizes that personal autonomy and human dignity take priority over formal marital duties when the relationship no longer functions in reality.

Statutory Text

Die Ehe wird von zwei Personen verschiedenen oder gleichen Geschlechts auf Lebenszeit geschlossen. Die Ehegatten sind einander zur ehelichen Lebensgemeinschaft verpflichtet; sie tragen füreinander Verantwortung.

— BGB § 1353 — German Civil Code

Statutory Text

Ein Ehegatte ist nicht verpflichtet, dem Verlangen des anderen Ehegatten nach Herstellung der Gemeinschaft Folge zu leisten, wenn sich das Verlangen als Missbrauch seines Rechts darstellt oder wenn die Ehe gescheitert ist.

— BGB § 1353 — German Civil Code

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