As of September 2026

Current Situation

Conscription in Germany is being gradually reactivated – registration and medical examination are already mandatory. Here you find the exact timeline, the figures and the latest developments.

Understand the Questionnaire FAQ

Timeline of Reintroduction

Mandatory Questionnaire for Men

January 2026

Since January 2026, all 18-year-old men (born 2008+) receive mail from the Bundeswehr. The questionnaire is mandatory for men; women may participate voluntarily. After two reminders, failure to answer can result in a fine of up to 250 euros.

In progress

Medical examination is mandatory – with coercive consequences

since January 2026

The obligation to appear for examination already exists, it does not start in 2027. Anyone who fails to follow the summons commits an administrative offence: a fine, a repeated summons and, in repeated cases, police escort. A recognised objection can exempt you – until it is recognised, the obligation remains.

In progress

Nationwide examination of complete cohorts

July 1, 2027

From July 2027, entire cohorts are to be examined. The Bundeswehr is setting up 24 examination centres nationwide (including Braunschweig, Oldenburg, Schwerin, Jena). A backlog will build up until then.

Possible "Needs-Based" Conscription

Earliest 2028

If not enough volunteers sign up, the Bundestag can pass a law for a lottery or compulsory service. This would be the de facto reintroduction of conscription.

Target: up to 270,000 Active Soldiers

By 2035

The Bundeswehr is to grow to up to 270,000 active soldiers by 2035. As of 31 August 2026 around 186,400 were serving. In the second quarter of 2026, 169,141 letters were sent and 86,560 declarations of readiness submitted – only 22,726 of them by men for voluntary service of six to eleven months.

What does this mean for you?

Got mail from the Bundeswehr? That's normal. Take a breath.

Fill out the questionnaire – it's mandatory. But you decide how you answer.

Conscientious objection is possible at any time – including right now.

The examination is already mandatory right now. If you are summoned, you must appear – failing to appear can lead to a fine and, in repeated cases, police escort.

You are not alone. In the first half of 2026, 5,862 applications for conscientious objection were filed – in all of 2025 there were 3,879. If you receive a fine notice, you can appeal it. That is your right.

Legal Framework Overview

Conscription Act (WPflG)

Legal basis. Section 2(3) governs the examination – the obligation already applies, nationwide application from July 2027. Section 3(2) required men from 17 to obtain permission for stays abroad over three months (generally exempted since April 2026). Suspended, but not abolished.

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Military Service Modernization Act (December 2025, in force since 01.01.2026)

Introduces the mandatory questionnaire, the mandatory medical examination backed by fines, and needs-based conscription as an option. The service itself remains voluntary for now.

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Article 4 German Basic Law

Freedom of conscience – your right to conscientious objection is constitutionally protected.

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§4 WPflG

Governs the conscientious objection procedure. No justification required – a "No" suffices.

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Know your rights – make your decision

The Letter Generator helps you formulate your conscientious objection correctly.

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