Your path to the fishing licence — easier than you think.
Picture this: an early morning, mist rising over the lake, your rod tight — and you're doing it legally. A fishing licence opens up a world of hundreds of waters across Berlin and Brandenburg. The road to get there? With the right preparation, 4–6 weeks.
The 3 steps to your fishing licence.
It's not rocket science — most people pass on their first attempt.
Master the material
Around 300 exam questions on fish biology, water ecology, gear, and fishing law. Most people manage it with 20 minutes a day in 4–6 weeks.
Register for the exam
Berlin: Fischereiamt Berlin, exam type A.
Brandenburg: Landesfischereiverband Brandenburg e.V. Exam dates run several times a year — register early.
Apply for the licence & get started
Pass the exam → apply for the licence at the responsible authority → find a water → buy your first water permit. With the bite index you'll know when the fish are biting.
Berlin vs. Brandenburg.
Same goal, different rules. All the differences at a glance.
Where would you like to learn?
Choose your path — flexible online or in person.
Your online path
Flexible from home — whenever and wherever you want. Ideal for working professionals.
Fishing King
- Full flexibility Learn whenever and wherever you want — app, browser, even offline.
- Risk-free Money-back guarantee if you fail — zero risk.
- 95 %+ pass rate Most people pass on their first attempt.
Angelschmiede
- Flashcards & practice tests Affordable entry — ideal for a tight budget.
- For beginners with no prior knowledge Structured build-up, easy to follow.
Your in-person path
In a club, in person — for everyone who likes to hold the material in their hands.
LAVB — Landesanglerverband Brandenburg
The official point of contact for fishing exams in Brandenburg. Courses are offered by local angling clubs.
lavb.de — exam list of district clubsDAFV / VDSF — Berlin angling clubs
Berlin clubs offer weekend courses with hands-on practice. Exam at Fischereiamt Berlin.
dafv.de — Berlin in-person coursesTypical course in a club
In-person course over 2–3 weekends (10–30 hours), then a written exam. Advantages: personal coaching, hands-on gear practice, exchange with experienced anglers.
FAQ on the fishing licence.
The 5 questions aspiring anglers ask most often.
1
How much does the fishing licence cost?
In Berlin around 100–150 € total (exam fee around 30–60 €, licence around 10–20 €, course optional). In Brandenburg around 80–130 €.
The cheapest path: a good online course combined with direct registration at the fishing association — without an expensive weekend course.
2
How long does preparation take?
Most people manage it in 4–6 weeks with about 20–30 minutes a day. With a good online course (flashcards, practice questions, progress tracking), it's far more efficient than studying from a textbook.
The exam questions are publicly available — there are no surprises.
3
Can you fish in Brandenburg without a licence?
Yes — but only for coarse fish. Brandenburg's coarse-fish exception lets you fish for carp, bream, roach and other coarse fish without a fishing licence — provided you have a fishing tax stamp (12 € / year) and a valid water permit.
For predator fish (zander, pike, eel), the licence is mandatory.
4
Is the fishing licence valid nationwide?
Yes. The state fishing licence is valid throughout Germany. You also need a water permit (day or season ticket) from the respective lessee for each water — but you only get the fishing licence once in your life.
5
From what age can you get the fishing licence?
From age 14 you can take the exam. Younger children may already fish accompanied by an adult who holds a valid fishing licence — a great way to introduce the next generation.
Already curious where you'll fish?
Hundreds of waters with map, water level and bite index — compare them directly.