How do I know which websites are illegal to surf on (or to download from) in Germany?

Question

how could i know which websites is not allowed to surf or download in Germany?

i heard Torrent is not allowed

is there any index to check ?

thanks

Answer 1

Hello,

there isn't such thing as a mainstreaming internet censorship in Germany.
The use Tor is of course allowed, I myself use it sometimes.
If you can't reach a site it's mostly due to connection or other technical problems. Ask your provider!

Regards, Jan

Comments

Thank you Jan. I just want to be sure because i saw on FB some people had a fine because they used Torrent websites or they downloads some applications (it's something related to copyrights i think) and it's about 1000 EURO

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and about me I didn't get my DSL yet, but i can access the Torrent sites with my mobile and i'm afraid of downloading any thing  

Answer 2

Hi

to be precise: The use of bittorrent is not illegal, you are responsible for the kinds of uploads you do.
Copyright law is an issue in Germany, but that's nothing special.
For more information see this: ****://tinyurl.***/pvprx4l (information in German)

Regards, Jan

Answer 3

Hi,

maybe things will be more transparent in the near future.
See this information about **** Error Code 451 Approved For Censored Web Pages:
****://tinyurl.***/nkec57k

Regards, Jan

Answer 4

Hey there, I checked for you. So Torrent like edonkey etc. are file sharing programs. Copyright law is pretty strict in Germany that means you are not allowed to upload or download or distribute copyright protected content. With bittorrent your are automatically sharing files when you download which is illegal. A green area is streaming, it is a download but can't really be used for distribution and is only suited for personal use. I recommend streaming because I also have friends who paid. But as always interpretation of copyright law can change and it might become illegal too. I use putlocker, kino4k for movie streams.

Comments

Thank you

Answer 5

HI SAFi,

your question is a little older, but it might still be relevant for many here. You're right to be cautious! In Germany, there are strict laws regarding online content, especially around copyrighted material.

Germany does not maintain or publish an official, comprehensive public list of "banned" websites. Most website access restrictions in Germany are the result of court orders or specific legal requirements, such as blocking sites that distribute illegal content (e.g., child pornography, hate speech, or Holocaust denial). There is no central government database or index you can check for a full list of prohibited sitess.

Torrenting and Downloading Content

Torrenting Technology vs. Copyright Infringement

• Torrenting itself (the technology) is not illegal in Germany.

• Downloading or sharing copyrighted content without permission via torrents is strictly illegal and heavily enforced under German law. 

• Streaming or downloading from unauthorized sources (such as 123movies, Putlocker, or similar sites) is also illegal if the content is copyrighted and not properly licensed in Germany.

Consequences

• If you are caught downloading or sharing copyrighted material, you can receive a legal warning letter (Abmahnung) and face fines typically ranging from €500 to €1,500.

• Even streaming from illegal sources can result in fines, not just downloading.

No Public List, But General Guidelines:

• There is no official index or list you can check for all illegal or blocked websites in Germany.

• If a website offers copyrighted content for free without proper licensing or permission, it is likely illegal to use in Germany.

Illegal streaming sites (e.g., Movie4k, Kinox.to, or similar):

• In the past, streaming was a legal grey area—but since 2017, even watching pirated streams is illegal in Germany.

• That includes streaming copyrighted content from shady websites (not YouTube or Netflix).

How to Stay Legal Online in Germany

• Safe and Legal Websites

  • Use well-known, licensed streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, YouTube, and Spotify.

  • Avoid torrenting or streaming copyrighted material from unauthorized or "free" movie/TV show sites.

    There’s no public list of "banned" sites in Germany, but you can:

• How to Check a Website’s Legality:

  • Check site reputation using tools like:

    • Trustpilot

    • Scamadviser

  • Google the site name + "legal in Germany"

When in doubt, avoid sites that offer "free" versions of copyrighted movies, games, or software.

Best regards, 
V.