New Law: Order of First Names Can Be Redefined

Neues Gesetz: Reihenfolge der Vornamen neu bestimmbar — Vornamen – Farbenfrohe Namensschilder symbolisieren neue Flexibilität bei der Namensordnung.

Those with multiple first names know the issue: the preferred name is not listed first. Since November 1, 2018, the order can be newly established at the registry office. The new law brings more freedom for everyday life – but adding, removing, or changing the content of first names remains limited.

Tradition of the Preferred Name

In many German families, the preferred name is deeply rooted in tradition. Often, the first name of a child was chosen in honor of a respected relative, while the second or third name served as the preferred name in daily life. This practice is still alive in numerous families today. Parents often choose a specific first name out of respect for family tradition but wish to call their child something different in everyday life. This tradition not only reflects family values but also shows how important individual name choice is for personal identity.

Change in Administrative Practice

The administrative practice regarding first names fundamentally changed in November 2010. With the introduction of new guidelines for issuing passports and identity cards, all first names were recorded equally in the order of the birth certificate in the machine-readable zone (MRZ). This change meant that the first name had to be used as the preferred name in practice, which posed challenges for many people. The MRZ is primarily important for identification by authorities such as the police or customs, but also for transportation companies like airlines, which must ensure correct name usage during international travel.

Everyday Problems

The changes in the MRZ have led to various problems in everyday life. For example, those who book flight tickets under their preferred name may encounter difficulties at border controls if this does not match the first name in the MRZ. Such situations can be uncomfortable and lead to delays. Additionally, banks and insurance companies increasingly use the first name listed on the ID, which can cause confusion and misunderstandings if this is not the commonly used name. These issues are often bothersome and difficult for those affected to navigate, as they challenge their identity and familiar name.

Preferred Name Tradition Remains

However, the long tradition of preferred names in Germany is not lost. The federal government plans to allow individuals with multiple first names to change the order of their names through a declaration at the registry office. This aims to prevent institutions like banks or airlines from using the first, but rarely used, first name. The ability to adjust the order of first names means relief for many people and a return to their familiar name identity.

Exceptions and Restrictions

Despite the new regulations, there are exceptions. First names connected by a hyphen must remain in the order determined by the parents. The spelling of first names cannot be changed either. Additionally, it remains prohibited to add or remove first names. These restrictions ensure that the fundamental structure of naming is respected while allowing more flexibility in choosing the preferred name.