Everything you need to know about the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) in Germany

Everything you need to know about the General Equal Treatment Act in Germany (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz – AGG)

The General Equal Treatment Act in Germany, known as the Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (AGG), is a key legal instrument to ensure equal treatment and to prohibit discrimination in everyday life and at work.
The law, which came into force in 2006, reflects Germany’s commitment to protecting human dignity and promoting a culture of diversity and tolerance.

What is the purpose of the AGG?

The AGG aims to protect individuals from discrimination on the grounds of:

• racial or ethnic origin

• gender

• religion or belief

• disability

• age

• sexual identity/orientation

The law applies in particular to employment and occupation, but it also covers other areas such as housing, services, and education.

Where does the law apply?

1. In the workplace

• During recruitment and selection

• Throughout the employment relationship (promotion, task allocation, training)

• When terminating employment

2. In everyday life

• When renting accommodation

• In dealings with service providers (banks, restaurants, shops)

• In insurance and health-related services

What rights do affected persons have?

If a person feels discriminated against, they have the right to:

• file an internal complaint with the employer or the responsible body (e.g. works council, HR department)

• claim financial compensation (Schadensersatz) or non-material compensation (Entschädigung)

• bring a civil action before a court

As a rule, a complaint must be lodged within two months of the discriminatory incident.

What are the employer’s obligations under the AGG?

• Protect employees from all forms of discrimination

• Take preventive measures (e.g. awareness trainings, clear anti-discrimination policies)

• Investigate any complaints seriously and without delay

If the employer fails to act appropriately, they may be held legally liable and ordered to pay compensation.

Practical examples of discrimination

• Refusing to hire a person because they wear a headscarf or a visible religious symbol

• Excluding a pregnant employee from promotion opportunities

• Refusing to rent an apartment to an applicant because of their foreign origin

• Harassing or bullying an employee because of their sexual orientation

What is the role of the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency (Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes)?

This official body provides:

• free and confidential counselling for people affected by discrimination

• information on legal options and possible next steps

• support in contacting other institutions, such as legal advice centres or lawyers

You can contact the agency by telephone, e-mail or via online forms on its website.

Challenges and criticism

Despite its importance, many observers point out that proving discrimination in court is still difficult, as there is often a lack of direct evidence.
Nevertheless, the AGG is considered a major step towards a fairer society that offers effective protection against discrimination and supports equal participation for all.

Conclusion

The General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) is a fundamental pillar for protecting human dignity in Germany – both in the workplace and in everyday life.
If you feel that you have been discriminated against, remember: you have clearly defined rights, and there are legal and institutional support structures that can help you enforce them.

Key German terms

• Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (AGG): General Equal Treatment Act

• Schadensersatz: financial compensation for material damage

• Entschädigung: compensation for non-material harm (e.g. psychological distress)

• Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes: Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency

• Betriebsrat: works council / employee representative body

---

The editorial team strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of various sources. However, errors or incomplete information cannot be entirely ruled out. Please regard the contents as an initial orientation and always refer to the competent authorities for binding and up-to-date information.