At a time of increasing geopolitical tensions, many people in Germany are wondering what could happen to them in the event of a reintroduction of compulsory military service or a military escalation. Even though general conscription has been suspended in Germany since 2011, the constitutionally guaranteed right to refuse military service with a weapon for reasons of conscience still applies. This article provides a factual overview of the legal basis, the possible target groups, the procedure and the points to be observed, without replacing legal advice in individual cases.
Latest news on military service
04.11.2025: In the ongoing debate about the possible reactivation of compulsory military service in Germany according to SWR interest in counseling on conscientious objection to military service has increased significantly. Counseling centers are reporting a growing number of inquiries - especially from young men and reservists who are concerned about current security policy developments and possible conscription.
27.10.2025According to research by Welt, the SPD and the CDU/CSU have agreed on a Compromise on the reorganization of military service agreed. A four-stage model is planned, in which the principle of voluntary service is initially retained: All 18-year-olds will be contacted, but only if they are interested will there be a muster. If there are not enough volunteers, there will be an obligatory physical examination and invitation to an interview. After this, a random selection (lottery procedure) can be used for conscription if there is further demand. The fourth stage - general compulsory military service - would only apply in a state of tension or defense. The proposal still has to be approved by the Bundestag; implementation by decree is no longer planned.
17.10.2025: In Germany, intensive discussions are currently Drawing lots for military service discussed: The idea is to randomly select young men after they have completed a mandatory questionnaire in order to invite them to the draft if the number of volunteers is not sufficient to cover the Bundeswehr's personnel requirements. Should the lottery procedure have to be used, this could result in an obligation to serve (e.g. six months of military service). However, the current political and institutional status is still unclear: while the media report that the CDU/CSU and SPD have agreed on precisely this lottery procedure, a planned press conference for the official announcement was surprisingly canceled.
Constitutional basis
The possibility of refusing military service arises directly from the Basic Law: Article 4 paragraph 3 states verbatim:
"No one may be forced to do military service with a weapon against their conscience."
This is not just a political or moral option, but an individual right to freedom protected by fundamental rights. The specific details of the procedure are governed by the Act on Conscientious Objection to Military Service (KDVG).
Important: The law continues to apply even though general conscription was formally suspended by law in 2011, but not abolished. This means that a general call-up could be issued again at any time in the event of a situation of tension or defense. The right of conscientious objection is therefore not only relevant in theory, but also in practice - and not only for young men, but also for certain groups of older men with reservist status.
There are currently increasing political discussions about a possible reorganization of military service in Germany - be it through a revival of compulsory military service or through other forms of national defence readiness. In this context, there is also talk of possible alternative services for conscientious objectors. Officially, however, no new legal regulations have yet been passed.
Who can refuse military service?
An application for conscientious objection can generally be made by the following groups of people:
- Unserved persons
This applies to anyone who has not yet served in the Bundeswehr but would be affected, for example, by a reactivation of compulsory military service or a conscription procedure. Even if you have not yet been conscripted, you can submit an application as soon as a call-up is foreseeable or a letter is received from the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Personnel Management. - Reservists
Many people do not know that reservists - i.e. people who have already served but are in the so-called reserves - can also apply for conscientious objection. This can be useful, for example, if their personal attitude has changed fundamentally since their time in the service. A serious problem of conscience can also arise in the event of political or ideological developments that justify a refusal. Reservists do not have to submit the application via their former unit commander or superior, but directly to the responsible Bundeswehr career center. The application will be recorded there and forwarded to the relevant examining authority. The Bundeswehr has published corresponding information on its website, which should be referred to. It is important to note that reservists must take particular care not to violate any service regulations during active service (e.g. during voluntary reserve service). The following also applies here: If in doubt, legal advice should be sought. - Active soldiers
Active soldiers can also apply for conscientious objection to military service - for example in cases of particular conflicts of conscience. However, additional consequences under service law must be expected in this case. Submitting an application can lead to discharge, but must be accompanied by legal advice in individual cases. This area is only mentioned in passing in this article, as it touches on complex internal military law issues.
Reasons for conscientious objection
The law does not require a specific type of justification - the decisive factor is that the refusal of military service is based on the applicant's conscience. This can be based, for example, on:
- Religious beliefs (e.g. Christian, Buddhist or other pacifist worldviews)
- Ethics-related Rejection of violence against people
- Political convictionswho fundamentally reject military operations or military service
- Personal experiences or traumatic experiences that have led to a pacifist attitude
The reasons do not have to be logical or objectively comprehensible, but must be subjectively serious and enduring. However, it is advisable to explain them credibly - e.g. by means of a written statement, by referring to previous statements or by giving a chronological account of the internal development.
It is not about the plausibility of the reasons before a specific person - but about the sincerity and seriousness of the confession of conscience. The authorities check whether the rejection is the result of an inner, consistent judgment of conscience.
"Refuse military service? Apply now" by lawyer Hans Theisen
The procedure - How the refusal works in practice
1. application
The application for conscientious objection must be submitted in writing to the responsible career center of the Bundeswehr. An informal declaration is not sufficient - it must be clear that the conscientious objection is being made for reasons of conscience. Many career centers offer sample forms or instructions on how the application should be structured.
The application should contain:
- Personal data
- Presentation of the motives
- Date and signature
More information on the conscientious objection application procedure and its effects from the Protestant Working Group for Conscientious Objection and Peace (EAK).
2. forwarding to the Federal Office
The Career Center forwards the application to the responsible authority - usually the Federal Office of Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions (BAFzA) in Cologne. This authority checks the application for completeness of form and content.
3. hearing and decision
In some cases, the applicant is invited to a personal hearing to explain his or her motives. This is not a cross-examination, but an assessment of whether it is a serious decision of conscience. Once the examination has been completed, the application is either approved or rejected. Recognition means that the applicant may no longer be called up for military service with a weapon. Depending on the circumstances, a rejection may have legal consequences - especially if conscription proceedings are already underway.
Practical information for applicants
- Inform at an early stageThe decision should not be made when a call-up order has already been issued. The earlier you deal with the issue, the more room for maneuver you have.
- Seeking supportThere are numerous organizations and advice centres that can help with the application process - such as church peace services, pacifist NGOs or experienced lawyers.
- Pay attention to wordingThe justification should be personal, comprehensible and credible - not memorized or standardized.
- Document applicationA copy of the application and proof of postage should be kept.
What to do if an application for conscientious objection is rejected?
If the application for conscientious objection is rejected - which cannot be ruled out, especially in a later political climate - it is possible to lodge an objection. This must be made in writing and justified within one month of receipt of the rejection notice.
It is advisable to present your arguments as clearly and comprehensibly as possible in the first application in order to increase the chance of recognition. If the application is nevertheless rejected, the appeal can serve as a second opportunity to explain the position even more clearly or to clear up any misunderstandings.
If authorities no longer respond: Action for failure to act possible
As the political crisis continues and the number of applications for conscientious objection increases, applications may simply remain unprocessed. Officially, this should not happen - but it is realistic. The administration may be overloaded, or there may be a tacit political decision to simply "sit out" applications.
Anyone who has not received a response from the authority for more than three months after submitting their application can file a so-called action for failure to act (§ 75 VwGO). This is also possible without a lawyer and is addressed directly to the competent administrative court. The prerequisite is that the applicant has submitted everything necessary and the waiting period has expired. The action for failure to act is a legal and legitimate means of persuading the administration to make a decision - especially in situations where there are systematic delays.
Lawyer Hans Theisen explains the situation in the video above
In the informative video above, which has now been viewed tens of thousands of times on YouTube, lawyer Hans Theisen explains the current legal situation regarding conscientious objection. He not only explains the formal requirements, but also discusses strategies in the event of delays by the authorities.
Current survey on compulsory military service in Germany
Alternative service or further consequences?
In the past, recognition as a conscientious objector was automatically linked to civilian service. As this no longer exists in its old form, there is currently no direct obligation to perform alternative service - at least not in a peacetime situation. Whether and how compulsory alternative service will be regulated in the future depends on political developments. If compulsory military service is reactivated, a parallel introduction of a substitute service model can be expected.
Alternative service an issue again?
Individual parliamentary documents and public statements are now openly considering whether alternative service could be reintroduced as a mandatory requirement for those who refuse military service. In one example, there was talk of "seven years of voluntary fire department" as a possible substitute. However, such statements have so far come from interviews, associations or local authority practice - not from enacted laws.
Legally, the mandatory introduction of alternative service would be possible in principle as long as it does not burden the conscience of the individual again or represent an indirect forced mobilization. The Federal Constitutional Court has made it clear in the past that alternative service must not be longer or more burdensome than the original military service. Service integration into militarily structured units (such as homeland security) would also be viewed critically from a legal perspective if service is refused for reasons of conscience.
What about reservists?
The situation is slightly different for reservists who have already served in the Bundeswehr. They too can apply for conscientious objection if their attitude has changed after their service. The procedure is usually handled by the responsible career center of the Bundeswehr. The application is recorded there and forwarded for examination. The legal basis is the same as for persons who have not served: the Act on Conscientious Objection to Military Service with Weapons (KDVG).
Whether a recognized conscientious objector who has already served can still be called up for alternative service in the event of a later call-up is currently not clearly regulated. The existing laws do not contain a clear statement on this. In practice, there will probably be a differentiation - depending on whether someone is only formally listed as a reservist or has actually been called up for reserve service.
Active soldiers: Refusal usually means dismissal
Special service regulations apply to active soldiers who apply for conscientious objection during their period of service. If the application is accepted, the service relationship usually ends. In such cases, there is no provision for alternative service, but rather dismissal from service. Here too, however, it is theoretically conceivable that new models could emerge in the event of new legal regulations in the future, such as the possibility of being reassigned to a civilian sector - although this would be a political step, not the current legal situation.
The planned Military Service Modernization Act
The Federal Ministry of Defence has announced a new Military Service Modernization Act (WDModG) for 2026. It is intended to adapt the current model of compulsory military service to modern conditions and also redesign the role of the reserve and voluntary elements. The initial focus is not on reintroducing general compulsory military service, but on flexibly strengthening the Bundeswehr through targeted recruitment.
It is currently unclear whether this law will also introduce compulsory alternative service for conscientious objectors. Government circles are discussing the extent to which civilian services - for example in the fire department, disaster control or social institutions - could also be considered as alternative service. However, there are no concrete regulations to date.
Increase in applications for refusal
It is worth noting that the number of applications for conscientious objection has increased significantly in recent months. The Federal Office of Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions reported more than 1,300 new applications in mid-2025 - a multiple compared to previous years. Many applicants cite a change in the security situation or concerns about a political escalation as their motivation. This development shows that the topic is no longer just a theoretical footnote, but is increasingly moving into society's consciousness.
Information video from Wissen2Go (public service)
Current articles, debates & legal developments
1. "Conscientious objection in case of war - BGH decision"
A Article in the Verfassungsblog addresses a Federal Court of Justice ruling from January 16, 2025, according to which the basic right to conscientious objection under Article 4 (3) of the Basic Law can possibly be suspended in the event of war - by the simple legislator.
2. debates on "new military service" - official government plans
The Federal Ministry of Defense (BMVg) publishes a Draft for a "new military service"which is intended to accelerate the registration of young people and the establishment of a reserve. The law is expected to come into force on January 1, 2026. The aim is to redesign military service - "modern, voluntary and with a strong reserve".
3. increase in applications for refusal in 2025
Several media report that up to Over 1,300 people by mid-2025 have applied for conscientious objection - as a reaction to the growing debate about possible conscription or compulsory military service. This shows that the issue is not just theoretical, but is becoming tangible in society.
4. legal commentaries on substitute service regulations
Legal portals such as JuraWorld publish indications that someone who refuses military service could be required by law to perform alternative service. It is emphasized that alternative service must not be longer than military service and that it must not be integrated into military structures. This is a useful source to see the different positions in the discourse.
5th constitutional blog on conscription reform and conscientious objection
In the Constitution blog more recent articles have also been published that deal with the question of how compulsory service and conscientious objection can be balanced in future legislation. For example, on the relationship between military service and alternative service, and on the question of how much leeway the legislator has.
A reading tip: "Crises as turning points - learn, grow, shape"
Anyone who deals with the issue of conscientious objection often realizes that it is not just about paragraphs - but about attitude, personal responsibility and inner clarity. It is precisely these topics that the book "Crises as turning points - learn, grow, create" . Using personal and social examples, it shows how new strength can emerge from difficult situations - provided they are recognized as an opportunity for reorientation.
The decision to refuse military service is such a crisis for many. And like any real crisis, it offers the opportunity to emerge stronger - with a clearer awareness of one's own values, limits and paths.
Stay awake - before it's perhaps too late
Conscientious objection to military service is a constitutionally protected right that still exists today and can be actively exercised - both by men who have not served and by reservists. Anyone seriously considering this step should seek information and professional advice at an early stage.
At a time when political debates are increasingly permeated by terms such as "preparedness for war" and "will to defend", it is more important than ever to remain vigilant. Anyone who deals with the existing legal options now will not only gain legal security, but also mental stability. Whether as a young person with a call-up notice, as a reservist with growing anxiety - or simply as a critical citizen who does not want to stand by in silence:
The best time to gain clarity is now. Because those who get their bearings in good time are often spared having to make decisions under pressure later. And once you have understood what you are no longer prepared to give up, you will not be so easily misled.
This article can provide an initial orientation, but does not replace individual legal advice.
A kind of essay by Mr. von L'oerot on the subject
Humor is one of the most important tools for surviving crises of all kinds. Mr. von L'oreot has therefore written his thoughts on the subject in a kind of essay. Military service and tension in an illustrated article.
Frequently asked questions
- What does conscientious objection actually mean in Germany?
Conscientious objection is the constitutionally guaranteed right to refuse to serve in the armed forces for reasons of conscience. It means that someone may not be forced to actively participate in acts of war or military training with weapons if this contradicts their innermost conscience. The legal basis is Article 4 paragraph 3 of the Basic Law. - Is there currently compulsory military service in Germany?
No. General compulsory military service was suspended by a simple law in 2011, but not abolished. This means that it could be reinstated by a simple law - without amending the constitution. However, there is currently no general conscription. However, discussions about new military service models are already underway at a political level. - Can you also declare conscientious objection if you have already served?
Yes, former soldiers, especially reservists, can also apply for conscientious objection - if their convictions have subsequently changed. In this case, the application usually goes through the responsible career center of the Bundeswehr. They will check whether the requirements for conscientious objection are met. - What happens if an active soldier wants to refuse military service?
If the application is accepted, the service relationship usually ends. There is no criminal prosecution, but the soldier is dismissed from service. The exact procedure is governed by service regulations. During the proceedings, the soldier may be released from duty. - Do reservists have to do military service if they are reactivated - even against their will?
Reservists who are to be called up again can invoke their right to conscientious objection. However, the application must be made before or at the time of conscription. Those who can present a recognized notice of refusal are generally not called up. Important: Without an application, reservists may be called up again in the event of defense. - How do you apply for conscientious objection?
The application is made in writing - for civilians via the Federal Office of Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions (BAFzA), for reservists via the Bundeswehr Career Center. The application must contain a justification as to why serving in the armed forces is incompatible with one's conscience. Sample texts or legal advice are permitted, but the text should be personal and credibly formulated. - Is it possible to refuse even now, even though there is no compulsory military service?
Yes, even if no one is currently being called up for military service, anyone can apply for conscientious objection at any time. This can be useful if you want to avoid having to react at short notice in the event of reactivation. It creates legal certainty for future scenarios. - What role does conscience play in refusal?
Conscience" is the central yardstick. This refers to a serious, morally based rejection of military service with a weapon - for example for religious, philosophical or ethical reasons. Political reasons alone are not sufficient. It must be recognizable that the rejection is based on an inner conflict. - Is there an age limit for conscientious objection?
No - the law applies regardless of age. However, the practical relevance depends on age. For example, anyone who is no longer in a reserve position at the age of 50 or is no longer physically fit for service will in fact hardly ever be called up. Nevertheless, the application is legally possible at any time. - Is there currently a legal obligation to perform alternative service in Germany?
No. Since the suspension of compulsory military service in 2011, there is no longer any compulsory alternative service. In the past, conscientious objectors were assigned to civilian service. Today, there are only voluntary services (e.g. FSJ, FÖJ, BFD). However, a new legal regulation is currently being discussed politically. - What is known about future replacement services?
Some politicians and representatives of the authorities have already publicly considered substitute services - for example in the areas of civil protection, the fire department or nursing. However, there are no legally regulated plans to date. One suggestion, for example, was "seven years of fire department" as a substitute - however, this is not legally binding, but an example from the debate. - How would a future alternative service be assessed in legal terms?
It would only be permissible if it were no more severe in scope and burden than military service itself. The Federal Constitutional Court has ruled in the past that alternative service must not be a "punishment" for refusal. It must also not be embedded in a hidden military structure (e.g. civil defense under military command). - What happens if you refuse but there is no alternative service?
Then - as things stand today - there is nothing further to do. The application will be processed and, if it is approved, there will be no confiscation. There is no obligation to "find your own alternative service". Should alternative service be introduced by law at a later date, this would have to be explicitly regulated - even for those who have already been recognized as conscientious objectors. - Can you lose your refusal status at some point?
No, not in principle. Anyone who has been recognized as a conscientious objector remains so permanently - as long as no new laws are passed that could revoke this status. The current legal situation does not provide for retrospective revocation. - What role does the Bundeswehr Career Center play for reservists?
Reservists must declare their refusal via the responsible career center, as they are considered part of the Bundeswehr structure. The career center receives the application, checks it or forwards it to the responsible office. The processing time varies depending on the individual case. It is important that the application is submitted before a call-up in order to take effect in good time. - How will the topic develop in the future?
Much depends on geopolitical developments. If Germany becomes more involved in international conflicts or establishes a new form of national defense, new service models could emerge - including "conscription light" or compulsory civilian service. Conscientious objection remains a constitutionally protected instrument - even in future scenarios.