Protection Against Discrimination — Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (AGG)

What is the AGG?

The Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (AGG) has been in force since 2006 and protects people in Germany from discrimination in working life and everyday transactions (renting an apartment, shopping, insurance, banking).

The 6 Protected Characteristics

The AGG prohibits discrimination based on:

1. Ethnic origin / Race — e.g., rejection of a housing application because of a surname
2. Gender — e.g., lower salary for the same work
3. Religion or belief — e.g., headscarf ban in the workplace
4. Disability — e.g., not inviting someone to a job interview despite qualifications
5. Age — e.g., job posting "seeking young, dynamic employees"
6. Sexual identity — e.g., discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons

Where Does the AGG Apply?

• Working life: application, hiring, promotion, termination, working conditions
• Civil law: housing market, insurance, gastronomy, retail, banking
• Education: access to vocational training and career counseling

Complaint Office at the Workplace

Every employer is required to establish a workplace complaint office where employees can report discrimination. The employer must investigate the case and take action.

Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes (ADS)

The Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes provides free and confidential advice:

• Phone: 0800 546 546 5 (toll-free)
• Website: antidiskriminierungsstelle.de
• Advice: in German and English, with interpreters available if needed

The ADS can mediate, provide statements, and support in legal proceedings — however, it is not an authority with enforcement powers.

The 2-Month Deadline — Must Be Observed!

Claims for damages or compensation must be asserted within 2 months after the discriminatory incident in writing (§ 15 Abs. 4 AGG). After this deadline, the claim expires.

Procedure:
1. Document the incident (date, witnesses, emails, screenshots)
2. Within 2 months, file a written complaint with the employer or contracting party
3. If no settlement: within 3 months of rejection, file a lawsuit with the labor court

Compensation

If discrimination is proven, you are entitled to:

• Schadensersatz — for concrete financial damage
• Entschädigung — for suffered discrimination (damages), typically: 1–3 months' salary in employment law

Tip for foreigners: Discrimination based on ethnic origin is the most common form. Document everything — including rejected housing applications or disrespectful treatment by authorities.

Status: March 2026. All information without guarantee.