Germany: Keep quiet on Sundays and at night
Do
- Do noisy chores such as vacuuming, spin cycles and drilling on weekday daytimes
- At night (usually 10 pm to 6 or 7 am), keep sound low enough that neighbours can't hear it with the door shut
- When you move in, read the house rules (Hausordnung) posted in the building
- If you hold a party, tell your neighbours in advance and turn it down by 10 pm
Don’t
- Don't use power tools such as drills or lawnmowers on Sundays and public holidays
- Don't throw bottles into public glass bins on Sundays or at night (check the sign on the bin)
- Don't make noise during the midday quiet period (often 1 to 3 pm) where it applies
Quiet hours are set by state law, local bylaws and house rules rather than a single national law. Repeated disturbances can lead to complaints from neighbours, action by the public order office or police, and fines; amounts are as officially published.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Germany Focus Guide: German Ruhezeit and Sunday etiquette