What are my basic rights as a woman in Germany?

Equality: The constitution (Grundgesetz, Article 3) treats women and men as equal. The state is obliged to promote this equality.

Your own life: You do not need anyone's permission (including your spouse's) to work, open a bank account, sign a contract, study or rent a flat. Marriage requires the free consent of both people; forced marriage is a crime.

Protection from violence: Physical, sexual, psychological and economic violence are prohibited, also within marriage. Rape within marriage is a crime. In cases of violence, the police can remove the perpetrator from the home, and under the Violence Protection Act (Gewaltschutzgesetz) you can get a court protection order. The national helpline for women experiencing violence (Hilfetelefon) 116 016 is free, available 24/7 and offers support in many languages, including Turkish.

At work: Discrimination based on gender is prohibited by the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG). The principle of equal pay for equal work applies; in companies of a certain size you can request information on pay. Pregnant women and mothers are specially protected.

Body and health: Contraception is your decision. Ending a pregnancy is possible under certain conditions: usually within the first 12 weeks and after counselling at an officially recognised counselling centre. Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a crime.

Residence: If your residence permit depends on your marriage and you want to separate, you have rights too; we explain this in separate questions.