Merkzeichen

Merkzeichen are letters or symbols used in Germany on the Schwerbehindertenausweis (disability identity card) to indicate the type and extent of a person’s disability and to designate eligibility for certain privileges and exemptions. They are issued after medical assessment by the relevant authorities, such as the Versorgungsamt, and may appear on the card alongside the degree of disability. Merkzeichen can be combined, meaning a single person can carry several marks that confer different rights.

Common Merkzeichen include: G for Gehbehinderung, indicating a mobility impairment; aG for außergewöhnliche Gehbehinderung, signaling a severe walking impairment; B for Begleitperson, which entitles the holder to have a companion accompany them in certain situations; H for Hilflosigkeit, denoting a need for full-time care; Bl for Blind, indicating blindness; Gl for Gehörlos, indicating deafness. There is also RF for Rundfunkbefreiung, which relates to exemption from certain broadcasting or broadcasting-related charges. The exact privileges attached to each Merkzeichen can vary by regulation and by the specific context, such as access to parking permits, use of priority seating on public transport, and other welfare provisions.

Merkzeichen are primarily used in Germany and help determine eligibility for practical accommodations in daily life and public services. They are not permanent identifiers of a person’s worth or overall condition and can be updated if a person’s disability status changes. For those seeking to obtain or modify Merkzeichen, contact with the local disability office is required, and medical documentation will be reviewed to determine appropriate markings. Similar concepts exist in other countries, but the abbreviations and rules differ.