Guide to Studying Law in Germany 2026
Studying law in Germany, the Staatsexamen system, 2026 admission requirements, LL.M. master's programs, and career strategies.
In the lands where the continental European legal system was born, joining one of the world's most well-established and disciplined schools of law is the pinnacle of a prestigious career. The German Civil Code (BGB) forms the foundation of the legal systems of many countries today, including Turkey. For this reason, studying law in Germany means not just becoming a local lawyer, but a global jurist who masters international norms.
The German Legal System: What Is the Staatsexamen?
In Germany, law faculties do not apply the classic Bachelor's/Master's system. To truly become a German lawyer, judge, or prosecutor, the education is governed by a two-stage marathon called the Staatsexamen (State Exam).
- Grundstudium and Hauptstudium: 8-9 semesters of theoretical education at the university (Civil Law, Criminal Law, Public Law).
- First State Exam (Erstes Staatsexamen): A demanding final exam administered by the Ministry of Justice.
- Referendariat: A 2-year paid internship with civil servant status in courts, prosecutors' offices, administrative institutions, and law firms.
- Second State Exam (Zweites Staatsexamen): Earning the title of Volljurist and the right to register with the bar.
2026 Admission Criteria
Academic Achievement and YKS
It is a legal requirement that candidates wishing to begin a bachelor's degree from Turkey, in addition to their high school diploma, have been placed into a Law Faculty in Turkey as a result of the YKS. Having your GPA, converted into the German system, between 1.0 and 1.5 determines your chances of admission at elite schools such as LMU or Heidelberg.
Legal German
Everyday German is never sufficient for a law faculty. Although many universities accept a C1-level certificate (TestDaF 4x4 or telc C1 Hochschule), in order to follow the courses without loss, it is strongly recommended that you aim for the Goethe-Zertifikat C2 level.
A Strategic Exit for Turkish Graduates: LL.M.
For lawyers who have completed a law faculty in Turkey and want to continue their career in Germany, there are two paths:
- Full Equivalence (Anerkennung) + Staatsexamen: The long road, which generally requires 2-3 years of bridging courses and demanding state exams.
- LL.M. Strategy: A 1-1.5 year Master of Laws program; state exams are not taken. Specialization in niche fields such as IT Law, Intellectual Property, and International Trade Law. Graduates work as "Legal Counsel" in the legal departments of global companies.
The Best Law Faculties
- Heidelberg University — Germany's oldest law faculty, the stronghold of classic public law.
- LMU Munich — Unrivaled in corporate law, tax law, and international trade law.
- Humboldt University (Berlin) — Intertwined with public law, politics, and diplomacy.
2026 Financial Architecture
In Germany, law education at public universities is free; students only pay the Semesterbeitrag (approximately 250-350 €). (Except Baden-Württemberg; international students in this state pay a 1,500 € fee per semester.) As of 2026, the Blocked Account is approximately 12,500 € per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study law without knowing German?+
For the traditional law degree (Staatsexamen) that grants the authority to practice law in Germany, 100% German is mandatory. However, for those who have completed their bachelor's degree in Turkey, LL.M. programs offered entirely in English in fields such as "International Trade Law" are available at some prestigious universities.
Is a salary paid during the Referendariat (internship) period?+
Yes. Law graduates who pass the first state exam (Rechtsreferendar) receive a living allowance from the state called Unterhaltsbeihilfe, amounting to approximately 1,300 € — 1,600 € net per month throughout the 2-year legal internship.
