Security Overview for Germany

Crime in Germany is low in western cities and higher in the east, especially Berlin. Violent crime is rare. There are, however, several cases each year of attacks by right-wing gangs, usually on foreigners or immigrants who are of African or Asian descent. Larger cities, like Berlin and Frankfurt, have a fair amount of street crime, usually theft of unattended items and pickpocketing. Pickpockets frequent tourist areas, subways and train stations. The public transportation system is safe and reliable, but avoid commuter buses and subways at night.

Several high-profile kidnapping cases have occurred in recent years. Although the victims were locals, prominent expatriates should be aware of the threat and be on alert for surveillance of their activities.

Large demonstrations and rallies are usually related to political and social issues; most are usually well planned and controlled. Some demonstrations draw up to 1 million participants. Police may use force to quell violence. Strikes by civil servants and other labor groups occur and can severely impact daily life.

Germany's once-formidable leftist terrorist groups are defunct, but avoid demonstrations by potentially violent anarchist and neo-Nazi groups. Anarchist groups calling themselves Autonomen occasionally wreak havoc at public events, most often when neo-Nazis are also demonstrating. Neo-Nazi gangs also pose an indirect threat; their rallies usually result in clashes with police and anti-Nazi protesters. Small groups of neo-Nazis or their sympathizers occasionally attack people they identify as foreign, especially in the former East Germany, normally during early morning hours.

While international terrorist groups have made threats against Germans and foreigners, such as Israelis and U.S. citizens, in the country, there has been no indication that Germany has become a specific target for terrorism. Kurdish and leftist Turkish immigrants have used Germany to stage protests, including periodic firebombing campaigns against Turkish businesses. Germany is home to some 10,000 members of the outlawed Kurdish Workers Party (PKK), a group that is under close scrutiny by German security.

Extortion, industrial espionage and attacks by environmental and criminal rights groups also pose potential problems.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.