You can do more than just report it

Victim of a crime in Germany? You have rights — in English too.

Assault, fraud, theft, harassment, threats — being a victim in a foreign legal system is doubly hard. German law gives victims real procedural rights most expats never hear about.

File a criminal complaint (Strafanzeige) properly, so it doesn't quietly go nowhere
Join the proceedings as a private accessory prosecutor (Nebenklage) in serious cases
Claim damages and compensation for pain (Schmerzensgeld) — sometimes inside the criminal trial itself

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What we help with

Some of the situations people come to us with. Yours doesn't have to be on the list.

• Assault and bodily harm (Körperverletzung)

• Theft, burglary and robbery

• Fraud and scams (Betrug), including online fraud

• Stalking, threats and harassment

• Sexual offences, handled discreetly

• Filing a criminal complaint (Strafanzeige) that goes somewhere

• Joining proceedings as Nebenklage in serious cases

• Compensation for pain and suffering (Schmerzensgeld)

Read this first

You Were the Victim of a Crime in Germany — Your Rights

Reporting it and the three-month rule, evidence that disappears fast, joining the trial as Nebenkläger, and claiming compensation.

8 min read

Common questions

A report starts an investigation, but many are closed quietly. A lawyer can press for progress, access the file (Akteneinsicht), and escalate if the case is dropped.

In serious crimes, victims can formally join the prosecution with their own lawyer — with rights to be present, ask questions, and file motions. It changes your role from witness to participant.

Often yes — through the criminal proceedings (Adhäsionsverfahren), a civil claim, or state victim-compensation funds. A lawyer will tell you which paths apply to your case.

General information, not legal advice — your lawyer assesses your specific case in the free first consultation.