Fishing License in Berlin & Brandenburg –
Easier Than You Think
Fishing in Germany involves bureaucracy — but there's a shortcut. Brandenburg has a unique rule that lets you fish without an exam. This guide explains exactly what you need, what you can catch, and how to get started this weekend.
Fish This Weekend — No Exam Required
Under Brandenburg state law (§ 42 BbgFischG), you do not need a fishing license exam to fish for coarse fish (Friedfisch). This makes Brandenburg one of the most accessible fishing regions in Germany for newcomers and internationals.
What you need — 2 documents:
Fishing Tax Stamp (Fischereiabgabemarke)
A yearly state tax stamp (~8–12 €). Available at fishing tackle shops (Angelläden) in Berlin & Brandenburg, or online. Required by law to fish any water in Brandenburg.
Water Permit (Angelkarte / Erlaubnisschein)
A permit specific to the lake or river you want to fish. Day permits start from ~5 €, annual permits ~30–80 €. Use our Water & Permit Finder to find waters near you.
Predatory fish require a full license — no exceptions
If you want to fish for Pike (Hecht), Zander (Pike-Perch), Perch (Barsch), or Catfish (Wels), you must hold a valid Fischereischein (fishing exam passed). No exceptions apply — even in Brandenburg. See the license guide below.
Berlin vs. Brandenburg — Side by Side
The two states have very different rules for fishing access.
| Requirement | location_city Berlin | forest Brandenburg |
|---|---|---|
| Coarse fishing (Carp, Bream, Roach…) | Exam required | No exam needed ✓ |
| Predatory fishing (Pike, Zander, Perch…) | Exam required | Exam required |
| Fishing Tax Stamp (Fischereiabgabe) | Required | Required |
| Water Permit (Angelkarte) | Required | Required |
| Full license cost (exam + Schein) | ~100–150 € | ~80–130 € |
| Exam language | German only | German only |
| Minimum age (full license) | 14 years | 14 years |
* Fees as of 2026. Always verify current rates with the relevant authority.
Getting the Full License (for Predatory Fish)
Want to fish for Pike or Zander? Here's the roadmap.
Study the exam material (4–6 weeks)
The German fishing exam covers ~300 questions: fish biology, ecological law, fishing gear and conservation rules. The exam is in German, but you can prepare with English-language study tools. Most people pass on the first try with daily practice.
Register for the exam
Berlin: Fischereiamt Berlin — exam type "A" (written + oral).
Brandenburg: Landesfischereiverband Brandenburg e.V. — several exam dates per year.
Book early, spots fill up fast in spring.
Apply for your Fischereischein & start fishing
After passing the exam, apply for the state fishing license (Fischereischein) at your local authority (Amt/Bürgeramt). The license is valid nationwide and for life. Then buy your water permit and you're ready.
Study for the Exam — in English
Our partner Fishing King offers English-language study materials for the German fishing exam. Learn at your own pace, on mobile or desktop — with a money-back guarantee if you don't pass.
* Affiliate link — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend tools we trust.
Fish Glossary: EN → DE
When buying a water permit or talking to a tackle shop, you'll need the German fish names. Here's a quick reference — and which fish require a full license.
Not sure which fish live in a specific lake? Check our Waters & Permit Finder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish in Brandenburg without a fishing license? expand_more
Is the exam available in English? expand_more
Does my license from another country count? expand_more
How long is a German fishing license valid? expand_more
Where can I buy a fishing permit (Angelkarte) online? expand_more
Ready to find your first fishing spot?
Browse waters, check biting conditions and find permits — all in one place.