Rape in Germany

In Germany, rape is defined by Section 177 of the criminal code, the Strafgesetzbuch. Its legal definition has changed since the penal code was established in 1871. Reforms in 1997 criminalized marital rape, adopted gender-neutral language, and recognized psychological coercion. In 2016, the law removed the requirement for victims to physically resist and recognized physical or verbal indications of non-consent. The revision also addressed group rape, unwanted sexual contact, and deportation for migrants convicted of sexual assault.

Legal basis

Section 177 of the Strafgesetzbuch

1997 reform

Marital rape criminalized

2016 reform

Physical resistance no longer required