Censorship in Germany

Censorship in Germany has taken many forms during the history of the region. Various regimes have restricted the press, cinema, and other entertainment venues. In modern Germany, the Grundgesetz guarantees freedom of press, speech, and opinion unless it is determined to be hate speech since Germany has no guarantees of free speech. Censorship is mainly exerted in the form of restriction of access to certain media (motion pictures, video games) to older adolescents or adults only. Furthermore, the publication of works violating the rights of the individual or those considered to be capable of inciting popular hatred (Volksverhetzung) may be prohibited. Possession of such works (including Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf), however, is generally not punishable. Germany has been consistently rated among the 20 most free countries on the Press Freedom Index.

In the German Empire, many media were under Imperial control. Before World War I, civil administrators appointed by the government were charged with ensuring the public decency of printed material within the Empire.

The Imperial Press Law of 1874 ended the government's right to censor materials before publishing. It also eliminated the need for a government-issued license to publish. However, the government retained the right to be notified of all publications when printing began. Theatres, cinemas, cabarets, and music halls, however, were still subject to state licensing. Police had direct control over these venues.

With the outbreak of World War I, the military took over the censorship office with the aim of mobilizing German support for the war. A police official was instated in every city for this purpose. Restrictions on materials became much harsher. Materials could be banned because of association with a particular person or country, or simply because the censor felt that the piece was distracting or a waste of time.

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