German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser wants to further restrict the carrying of knives in public, to combat a perceived rise in knife crime. The opposition has criticized the plan as impractical.

The German government has promised tougher knife laws after the police reported a rise in the number of stabbings, especially near train stations — though the statistics remain controversial.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has called for the law to be changed so that only blades of 6 centimeters (2.36 inches) would be allowed to be carried in public, rather than the current 12 centimeters. An exception would be made for household knives in their original packaging. Switchblades would be banned altogether.

The government pronouncement came after police statistics recorded a 5.6% year-on-year rise in cases of serious bodily harm involving a knife, with 8,951 incidents in 2023. The federal police, which is responsible for safety at Germany’s airports and major railway stations, also reported a significant increase in knife attacks in and around stations, with 430 in the first six months of this year.

  • SkaveRat
    link
    fedilink
    English
    93 months ago

    this (carrying around a knife) is unacceptable in our society.

    the problem is, that even having a pocket knife on you would get you in trouble.

    Got a swiss army knife in your backpack because it’s part of your EDC? Tough luck. To the police station with you

    • RubberDuck
      link
      English
      -23 months ago

      No it’s not. These kid of lawn limit knife sizes and if you have a utility knife in a backpack it’s also not an issue. At least if the law is sane.

      • SkaveRat
        link
        fedilink
        English
        43 months ago

        At least if the law is sane.

        ah. you did find the problem

        • RubberDuck
          link
          English
          13 months ago

          The law limits to 6cm. My pocket knife is under 6cm.

            • RubberDuck
              link
              English
              -13 months ago

              If it’s folded in your backpack, you’ll get it back during a stop and frisk and be wished a nice day and sent on your way.

              This is about “kids” having full blown combat knives or modded butcher knives hanging around their necks under their shirt or in their belts, ready for use.