Strafgesetzbuch

The Strafgesetzbuch (StGB) is the central criminal code of Germany. It codifies offenses and penalties and forms the core of German criminal law. It is a federal law that governs criminal liability within Germany and, under certain conditions, can apply to offenses committed abroad. The StGB is complemented by the Strafprozessordnung (StPO), which governs criminal procedure, and by numerous special laws addressing specific offenses.

The StGB originated with the unification of German law in 1871 as part of the German Empire's criminal code and has been amended repeatedly. After World War II and during German reunification, the law was unified and modernized; major revisions in the late 20th century refined the general and special parts, reflecting changes in society and technology. The code distinguishes between acts and omissions, and it requires that a crime be both unlawful and culpable; it provides rules on liability, intent, negligence, and defenses.

It is divided into a Allgemeiner Teil (general part) and a Besonderer Teil (special part). The Allgemeiner Teil covers basic concepts such as actus reus and mens rea, causation, attempts, participation, and penalties. The Besonderer Teil defines individual offenses grouped by subject matter, such as crimes against life and bodily integrity, personal liberty and sexual integrity, property and economic order, and public safety and state offenses.

Penalties include imprisonment and fines, with provisions for mitigations, aggravations, and certain additional measures. The StGB serves as the foundation for criminal liability in Germany and is regularly updated to address new forms of crime and evolving social norms.