GermanyWho is liable if a child causes damage?
Children under 7 are never liable; those aged 7–17 may be liable only if they have sufficient insight—but their supervisors (e.g., parents) are usually liable under § 832 BGB unless proper supervision is proven.
What the Law Says
German law distinguishes between the child’s own liability and the liability of their supervisor. The child’s personal liability depends on age and mental capacity, while adults responsible for supervision may be held liable even if the child is not.
Under § 828 BGB, children under seven years old are never liable for damage they cause — full legal incapacity applies.
Children aged seven to nine are exempt from liability specifically for injuries caused in traffic accidents involving motor vehicles, trains, or suspended railways — unless the harm was intentional.
Minors under 18 may avoid liability under § 828(3) if, at the time of the act, they lacked the mental insight required to understand the wrongfulness of their conduct. This is assessed case-by-case.
However, § 832 BGB shifts responsibility to the supervisor: anyone legally or contractually obligated to supervise a minor (e.g., parents, guardians, teachers, or daycare staff) is liable for damage the child causes to third parties — unless they prove they fulfilled their supervisory duty or that the damage would have occurred even with proper supervision.
Statutory TextWer nicht das siebente Lebensjahr vollendet hat, ist für einen Schaden, den er einem anderen zufügt, nicht verantwortlich.
— BGB § 828(1) — German Civil Code
Statutory TextWer das siebente, aber nicht das zehnte Lebensjahr vollendet hat, ist für den Schaden, den er bei einem Unfall mit einem Kraftfahrzeug, einer Schienenbahn oder einer Schwebebahn einem anderen zufügt, nicht verantwortlich. Dies gilt nicht, wenn er die Verletzung vorsätzlich herbeigeführt hat.
— BGB § 828(2) — German Civil Code
Statutory TextWer kraft Gesetzes zur Führung der Aufsicht über eine Person verpflichtet ist, die wegen Minderjährigkeit oder wegen ihres geistigen oder körperlichen Zustands der Beaufsichtigung bedarf, ist zum Ersatz des Schadens verpflichtet, den diese Person einem Dritten widerrechtlich zufügt.
— BGB § 832(1) — German Civil Code
What Courts Have Said
German courts consistently apply § 832 to hold supervisors accountable — especially parents — unless they demonstrate diligent supervision.
The Federal Court of Justice confirmed that parents are liable under § 832 BGB for damage caused by their child unless they prove they exercised appropriate supervision — mere general vigilance is insufficient; supervision must be adequate for the specific risk.
What to Do
Assess the child’s age and circumstances to determine whether § 828 bars their personal liability.
Identify who had legal or contractual supervisory responsibility (e.g., parent, school, sports club) at the time of the incident.
Gather evidence showing either proper supervision (to defend against § 832 liability) or lack thereof (to support a claim).
Consult a lawyer promptly — claims against supervisors must be filed within the standard 3-year limitation period under § 195 BGB.
Sources
Related Questions
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.