Familienname Änderung aufgrund der Erklärung zur Namensführung von Ehegatten

There are many possibilities for determining the name. In some cases there are also particularities to be considered, e.g. for the naming of foreign spouses or if there are joint children born before the marriage. You should therefore seek advice from the registry office in these cases in particular. You can also request an information sheet from many registry offices by telephone or e-mail, or view or print it out from your local authority's website.

As spouses, you can keep your previous names. When the first child is born, you must then decide whether the child is to be given your name or that of your spouse as the name at birth. This declaration then also applies to the other children.

You also have the option, either at the time of marriage or at a later date - there is no time limit for this - of designating the maiden name or the name actually used by your spouse as the married name. The name from a previous marriage, including any accompanying name, can also be considered as the name actually used.

The determination of the married name is irrevocable. Children receive the married name of their parents.

• Identity card
• marriage certificate, if applicable

Marriage

There are no costs for the determination of the name during the marriage. For the later declaration costs arise, which you will find out at the registry office.

When you marry, you make a declaration to the registrar as to which name you and your spouse wish to use in future. If you wish to change your name at a later date, you should do so in person at the registry office.

Foreign spouses are generally subject to the name law of their home country. If (at least) one of the future spouses has his or her habitual residence in Germany, there is a right to choose between the law of the state to which the foreign spouse belongs and German law.

The spouse whose name has not become the married name may prefix or append his or her maiden name or previously used surname to the married name, provided the married name does not already have several members (accompanying names). If the maiden name or previously used surname has several members, only one part may be added. This means that the spouse has a double name. A later revocation is possible.

As spouses, you can:

• Keep your previous names or
• at the time of marriage or later - there is no time limit for this - designate the maiden name or the name actually used by your spouse as the married name.

The determination of the married name is irrevocable. Children receive the married name of their parents.

Contact the registry office where you are registering or have registered your marriage.

If the married name is not determined until after the marriage, please contact the registry office of your place of residence.

Contact the registry office where you are registering or have registered your marriage.

If the married name is not determined until after the marriage, please contact the registry office of your place of residence.