Frequently Asked Questions

How does youth protection work in Germany? What are the state’s responsibilities and which tasks fall to the USK? Here, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions.

How does the German state protect its minors?
Germany has the world’s strictest statutory rules for the classification of media.
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What is the USK and what are its responsibilities?
The USK is a regulatory body set up by the association of the German computer games industry.
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How does game classification work?
Fixed criteria apply to the classification of computer games.
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What are the age categories?
What are the five USK age categories according to German Youth Protection Law?
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What are the implications of USK age ratings?
The state uses the age ratings to regulate whether a digital game may be publicly supplied to minors.
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What does it mean if a game does not have an age rating?
Games without an age ratin gsymbol may include content which is harmful to minors.
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What is the the “index of media deemed unsuitable for minors”?
Games with contents that endanger the development of minors are placed on an index.
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Can computer games be prohibited in Germany?
Computer games can be prohibited if they include content illegal according to German Criminal Code.
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Can age ratings lead to censorship?
According to the Freedom of Expression guaranteed by German Basic Law, there is no censorship in Germany.
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How can parents encourage safe and sensible play?
Playing games can be a fun and relaxing activity for both children and parents, if some basic rules are in place.
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