Insects are not everybody’s favourite animal, but they fulfil many important tasks in a wide variety of ecosystems. They for example serve as food for other animals and are pollinators that help plants to reproduce, and they fertilize our soil. The extinction of insects endangers nature.
In the words of Albert Einstein “Stirbt die Biene, hat der Mensch noch vier Jahre zu leben. Keine Bienen mehr, keine Bestäubung mehr, keine Pflanzen mehr, keine Tiere mehr, keine Menschen mehr.” – “If the bee dies, humans have four years to live. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more people.”
We share this beautiful planet with a diversity of animals. We should respect their habitats and needs, and try to live in harmony with all living things.
According to Section 90a of the Bürgeliches Gesetzbuch (BGB), “Animals are not things. They are protected by special statuses. They are governed by the provisions that apply to things, with the necessary modifications, except insofar as otherwise provided. This also includes insects.
Many species living in Germany are under animal protection. It is strictly forbidden to capture or even kill these animals. Specially protected and strictly protected species may not be taken from nature.
All wild animals enjoy a so-called minimum protection. This general protection is regulated in Chapter 5, section 2, § 39 BNatSchG (general protection of wild animals and plants; authorization to issue statutory ordinances).
The purpose of this article is to raise awareness about protected species and is not to be seen as legal advice.
Which insects are protected
The list of protected insects is very long and is regularly updated, and we can therefore not list them all on this page. They include but are not limited to bees, hornets, wasp species, butterflies, dragonflies, grasshoppers and beetles.
Some insects like the Hirschkäfer (Stag beetle) have become very rare and are on the Red list as endangered.
Half of the wild bee species native to Germany are also considered endangered.
The lists can be found as Anlage 1 and Anlage 2 in the Verordnung zum Schutz wild lebender Tier- und Pflanzenarten (BArtSchV). This ordinance shows which insects are “besonders geschützt” (particularly protected) and streng geschützt (strictly protected). Insects are divided into the following groups.
- Schmetterlinge/Butterflies
- Hautflügler und Netzflügler/Hymenoptera and Lacewing
- Käfer/Beetles
- Libellen/Dragonflies
- Fangschrecken und Springschrecken/Mantises and jumping mantises
At the time of publishing, all native bees, bumblebees, praying mantis and gold beetles were on the particularly protected list.
Strictly protected insects are for example the pygmy dragonfly, the Heideschrecke and the Eichenbunt-Käfer
Which insects are endangered
The list of endangered insects can be found on the Rote Liste or the red list, which specifies in which federal states of Germany which insect species are endangered and how.
Red lists are also regularly drawn up for other animals and plants. They have no legal character but serve as expert opinions on nature conservation.
Laws and fines
- The Tierschutzgesetz / Animal welfare act
- Geset über Naturschutz und Landschaftspflege (BNatSchG)
- Besonderer Artenschutz
- Bundesministerium für Umwelt.. Insekten schützen
- Bussgeldkatalog (list of fines) – Tierschutz Insekten
- Act on Nature Conservation and Landscape Management (Federal Nature Conservation Act – BNatSchG) of 29 July 2009
Measures you can take
- Avoid hurting, catching or killing insects
- Avoid using pesticides
- Let hedges and wildflowers grow, the less interference you make with nature, the more beneficial for insects that are considered endangered according to the red list. The greater the variety of existing plants, the more animals find a habitat there.
- Never kill an insect out of fear
- If you find a hornet or wasp nest in your garden, contact the responsible Landesratamt ( district office). It will then be professionally removed. You are not allowed to destroy the nest on your own initiative. This will result in a fine; moreover, an angry swarm of insects could attack and sting you
- Use natural ways to repel insects for example allow natural enemies of snails in your garden, such as Blindschleichen (Blind-worms). This creates a natural balance between the different species.
- Get professional advice if you are unsure how to deal with insects.
Be aware!
- Lamps that shock insects can also kill those on the Red list. The luring, catching and killing of besonders geschützten Tiere (particularly protected animals) with artificial light sources or electronic devices is explicitly forbidden according to § 4 of the Bundesartenschutzverordnung (BArtSchV) (Federal Species Protection Ordinance)
- Wespe (Wasps) should generally not be killed, injured or caught. They are under protection and some species such as Hornisse (hornets) enjoy a special protection status. Wasps come closer to humans to look for food and not to attack us. See the infographic from Bussgeldkatalog for more info on Wasps. You can get fined up to € 50,000 if you are caught killing certain wasps.
- According to the Bussgeldkatalog site, you are allowed to kill mosquitoes.
- Like wasps, butterflies and other insects, wild bees must not be killed. But there are rare exceptions. You’ll find more about it here. The fact that you are not allowed to kill bees is stipulated in the Bundesnaturschutzgesetz (Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG)). It also says that such behaviour constitutes an administrative offence and can result in a fine of up to 10,000 euros (maximum limit). The amount of the penalty must always be determined for each individual case. It could also be a criminal offence. This is the case if it belongs to a strictly protected bee species. As mentioned there are rare exceptions.
- Some butterflies and snails are protected
- Some ants are also protected
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Swimming in Germany
Swimming options Private swimming pools are not so popular in Germany, but there are good public swimming options available. Public swimming pools / Öffentliche Schimmbäder / Freibad Freiseitparks like Europapark Baggersee (Man-made lakes) Lakes The ocean / Nordsee or Ostsee Rules for swimming in Lakes Never dive/jump into a lake without knowing the depth of the water first. Many lakes are quite shallow, especially near the shore. Bring a sun umbrella or some form of shelter, and of course sunscreen. Bring swimming shoes or flip-flops, to avoid stepping on broken glass or other sharp objects that may be there. Don’t stay in the water too long. Children sometimes don’t realise how cold they are and lakes may remain quite cool, even in summer. Bring plenty of towels to dry off after your swim. Bring warm clothes for after your swim Bring a picnic, some lakes have benches and tables, but not all do, so bring a big blanket to sit on. Toilets are often available near the lakes. Food stalls sometimes have ice cream or snacks. Just be careful, sweets, drinks, beer, etc. attract insects (bees and wasps) Most facilities will allow smoking and alcoholic drinks, check for signs prohibiting. Some lakes do have currents and undertows – don’t overestimate your ability, stay close to shore if you are not a strong swimmer. Careful with floating mattresses, toys, etc. Water toys do not keep children as safe as watchful eyes! Be careful with your alcohol intake. WATCH YOUR KIDS – many lakes do not have lifeguards patrolling the area. Your kids are your own responsibility! In an emergency call the national emergency number – 112 Tidbits to know Nude sunbathing is allowed in some areas around lakes Look out for FKK (Freie Körper Kultur) Zone. At public pools swimwear is obligatory Freibad does not mean for free Sommerbad means it is only open in the summer Bring coins with to public pools to make use of the lockers Some public pool facilities have hair dryers that you can use (not free) You are expected to shower before and after using a public pool Wear swimming shoes or flip flops at the pool Public pools are mostly overcrowded. Opt for indoor pools in summer if you only want to swim Some areas in pools are restricted to those who cannot swim, for example children still learning to swim No toys are allowed in public pools Food and drinks can be bought at most public pools The ground of the grass areas around lakes are usually a bit damp, so if you take a picnic blanket make sure it is lined. (Picknickdecke Wasserdicht) Related content

Gardening Rules
Garden Laws in Germany: A Quick Guide If you’re a proud plant parent or weekend weed warrior here in Germany, you might be surprised to find that your garden is subject to some pretty specific rules. This isn’t just about making things look neat — it’s about noise, nature, and neighbourliness. Whether you’re tending to your tulips in a tidy suburban plot or growing boereboontjies on your balcony, there are a few legal bits and seasonal tips worth knowing. Did you know your garden and the local green spaces are living habitats for wildlife and insects? If you cut back or trim your plants too soon, you are removing necessary pollen sources for insects, such as bees and butterflies. It can also reduce or eliminate habitat for birds and small mammals that are dependent on these for food and shelter Some laws and regulations to know Trimming Regulations According to Article 39 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG), excessive cutting and grafting of trees, hedges, shrubs, and woody plants are prohibited between 1 March to 30 September. This is referred to as Pflanzen-Schonzeit. You are allowed to gently trim vegetation for general care and maintenance. If birds are nesting in a tree or bush, you are not allowed to trim it Quiet Hours You are only allowed to mow your lawn from Monday to Saturday, from 7:00 in the morning to 20:00. You are not allowed to mow your lawn on a Sunday or a public holiday. If your tools do not have the correct EU Environment labels, you can only use them from Monday to Friday between 9:00 and 13:00 and 15:00 to 17:00. The fines are quite hefty. Compost, But Don’t Offend Composting is encouraged, but your pile shouldn’t smell like something died in it. If it becomes a nuisance, you could face fines — so no meat, dairy, or cooked food, and make sure it’s turned regularly. Watch the Fence Boundary hedges and trees must keep a respectful distance. Each federal state has different requirements, but as a rule of thumb: Hedges under 2m: at least 50 cm from the boundary. Trees: often need 1–2m clearance, depending on height and type. Weed killers The use of weed killers is only permitted on agricultural, horticultural and forestry areas. Weed killers may not be used on paved surfaces. These include paths and squares such as sidewalks, park and cemetery paths, garage entrances, courtyard areas, sports facilities, communal and commercial areas of all kinds. It is irrelevant whether the herbicides are approved or are home remedies such as vinegar or road salt. Violators face fines of up to € 50,000. See the Plant Protection Act for more information. Why You Shouldn’t Mow Over Spring Bulbs Too Soon When your lawn transforms into a colourful spring wonderland — with anemones, dandelions, tulips, crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths, snowdrops, or lily of the valley — it’s tempting to tidy up as soon as the petals drop. But hold off on that mower! Those leaves may look a bit untidy, but they’re doing crucial behind-the-scenes work. After blooming, the leaves continue to photosynthesise — converting sunlight into energy. This energy is stored in the bulb underground, fueling next year’s flowers. If you cut the leaves too early, you rob the bulb of its ability to recharge, and next spring’s display might be disappointing or even absent. While there may not be a federal law that specifically bans mowing over bulbs too early, many German towns — especially ones pushing “natural lawn” or Bienenwiese initiatives — have local ordinances or at least recommendations encouraging delayed mowing in spring, naturalising flower lawns and leaving parts of the garden wild for biodiversity. In some districts (like parts of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Lower Saxony), early mowing in public green spaces or rented allotment gardens (Schrebergärten) may even go against local garden rules (Gartenordnung). It’s always worth checking your municipality or Kleingartenverein‘s guidelines. Delaying your mowing until bulb leaves fade isn’t just better for your plants — it’s better for bees, bugs, birds, and even your next bloom season. Think of it as nature’s recharge period: hands off, and let the garden do its thing. Regional laws Rules for gardening are also regulated by the federal states and sometimes also by the municipality. These can include the distance between trees, building a greenhouse, removal of lawn and bushes, stone gardens ( Schottergärten ) etc. Your rental agreement and home association rules can also dictate what you can and can not do. A common issue is plants or plant boxes on the balcony. Some examples: Nachbarrecht Baden-Württemberg Gerätehütten und Gartenhäuser Baden-Württemberg Schrebergarten (Allotment/urban gardens) These are small inner-city gardens. Finding one to rent is extremely difficult. They are also known as Kleingartenanlae or Gartenkolonie. Wohnglück has an article on how to get a Kleingarten Monthly Garden Task List Need a cheat sheet for what to do in the garden each month? Here’s your friendly South African gardener’s guide — Germany edition. 🌱 January Sharpen your secateurs and prep tools. Plan your garden layout or order seeds. 🌿 February Prune fruit trees before sap starts running. Start early seeds indoors (like tomatoes or peppers if you’re brave). 🌷 March Clear dead plant matter and prepare beds. Sow hardy veg like carrots, radish, and lettuce. 🌼 April Plant potatoes and onions. Begin hardening off indoor seedlings. 🌞 May Plant frost-sensitive veg and flowers outside (after Eisheiligen, usually around May 15). Mow the lawn regularly — within quiet hours! 🌻 June Keep an eye on weeds — they’ll try to take over. Mulch beds to retain moisture and suppress weeds. 🍓 July Harvest early fruits and berries. Water deeply, preferably early morning or evening. 🍅 August Continue harvesting — tomatoes, beans, zucchini. Prune hedges before the autumn growth spurt. 🍂 September Plant autumn bulbs (tulips, daffodils). Divide and transplant perennials. 🍁 October Rake leaves (some towns provide compost drop-off points). Wrap delicate plants in fleece or mulch for winter. 🌨 November Clean and store tools. Protect pots

Grilling in public
When you do not have braai facilities at home or want to have more space while meeting your friends for a braai, you can use the grills/fireplaces at a public Grillplatz/grill area.These are usually in bigger parks or around lakes. Grilling in the forest is generally prohibited with some exceptions. Personally, I would refrain from grilling in the forest even if there is a Grillplatz. The trees and other plants can be very dry in summer and there is always a fire hazard. My first public grill was at the Grillplatz in Lonetal near Ulm.It is part of a hiking trail. We walked back after dark and there was a beautiful full moon. The woods were full of glowworms, it was really magical. Previous Next Why can I not grill where I want? Disposable grills damage the grass, and when the grass is very dry the heat will damage the lawn. This can also lead to runaway fires. Finding a designated grilling spot You can search the internet for “Grillplätze in öffentlichen Grünanlagen” or just “Grillplätze in YourTown”The following websites offer a list of public grill stations per town: Grillplatz.org Grillplatz360 Here are websites for some of the more popular towns. The town-specific rules are sometimes also listed on these websites. Berlin Hamburg Stuttgart Münich Frankfurt Leipzig Ulm You can also just look for the signposting in public areas to see if grilling is allowed. If there are no clear indications or signs indicating that grilling is permitted, you can assume that it is forbidden. Common rules As with most things in Germany, grilling in a public space is regulated.These rules are based on common decency and respect.Rule of thumb – if it doesn’t explicitly say grilling is allowed, you can assume it is not allowed. Each federal state (Bundesland) or town has its own rules, so please make sure you know what the rules are for the area in which you want to grill.Violations of these rules of the “Police Ordinance on Public Security and Order” are considered an administrative offence and may result in a warning or fine (see how much here). Here are some common rules: You cannot reserve a grill area/braai. Most public grills are big enough to be shared by groups. Only grill in designated areas. Do not dig your own grill pit or damage the lawn. Make sure you know if you are allowed to bring along your own grill or whether you are only allowed to use the permanently installed fireplaces/grills. Take note you are not allowed to use disposable grills or Einweggrills. The fire must be supervised by a suitable person at all times. The fire must be extinguished completely after you finished grilling. Dispose of all waste, this includes ashes. Most grill areas will have a bin designed for hot ashes. Grilling under trees or in the immediate vicinity of woody plants and on horticultural surfaces is not permitted (in the interest of protecting trees and birds). The grass must not be damaged. Only commercially available charcoal and lighters may be used. Flames may not exceed a height of one meter. Tips You might need to register at the town hall to make use of a grill area. Please leave the area clean and take all food scraps with you Do not make any fire on the lawn or in the gardens The number for the Fire brigade is 112 Music Playing music in parks and green spaces in the city is generally permitted.It should not disturb anyone.Most parks have a quiet period from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am Terminology Wild-Grillen – meint hier das unerlaubte Grillen auf Flächen für die laut Parkverordnung oder Naturschutzgesetz ein Grillverbot gilt.– means unauthorized grilling in areas where grilling is prohibited – according to the Park Ordinance or Nature Conservation Act. Grillen verboten – Grilling not allowed der Grillplatz – Grill area Related content
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