The most important facts at a glance
- Defamation (§ 186 StGB) is generally a prosecutable offense upon complaint, which must be reported within a three-month deadline after becoming aware of it.
- The statute of limitations for criminal defamation is three years according to Section 78, Paragraph 3, Number 5 of the German Criminal Code (StGB).
- Civil claims may continue to exist after the statute of limitations has expired – these generally become time-barred three years from the end of the year.
When words lead to legal consequences
In our digitally connected world, statements can spread faster than ever and have serious consequences for those affected. As Cybercrime lawyer and digital defamation offenses such as insult, slander, and libel, I observe that these crimes play an increasingly important role – not only for private individuals but especially also for public figures, scientists, entrepreneurs, and executives, whose reputation represents a crucial asset.
The legal examination of such offenses is among the more demanding areas of criminal law. However, as with all legal claims, the question also arises here: When do these offenses expire? What deadlines must those affected observe, and what strategic options are available?
In this comprehensive article, I will shed light on the statute of limitations for defamation offenses from all relevant legal perspectives. I will not only explain the legal basis and deadlines but also provide practical advice for those affected and outline which options for action may still exist even after certain deadlines have passed.
The legal basis for defamation
Definition and legal basis
Defamation is defined in Section 186 of the Criminal Code (StGB) and belongs to the so-called offenses against honor. The legal text reads:
„Whoever asserts or spreads a fact about another person that is likely to make them contemptible or bring them into disrepute in public opinion shall be punished with imprisonment for up to one year or with a fine, unless this fact is demonstrably true.“
The core characteristic of defamation is therefore the dissemination of a factual assertion that is not demonstrably true, which is capable of injuring the honor of the affected person or damaging their reputation.
Distinction from other noble crimes
For understanding the legal classification, the distinction from other defamation offenses is important:
- Insult (§ 185 Criminal Code)This is a direct expression of contempt or disregard, usually through value judgments without assertions of fact.
- Defamation (§ 187 StGB)This offense occurs when someone knowingly asserts or disseminates an untrue fact. In contrast to defamation, the perpetrator must therefore know that their assertion is untrue.
- Slander and Libel Against Persons in Political Life (§ 188 StGB)A qualified form of defamation/insult offenses targeting individuals in political life.
The distinction between these offenses is important because different requirements for prosecution and statutes of limitations may also result from it.
Statute of limitations for defamation in detail
The statute of limitations for criminal offenses under § 78 of the German Criminal Code (StGB)
In German criminal law, the statute of limitations is determined by the severity of the threatened penalty. According to § 78 Paragraph 3 No. 5 of the German Criminal Code (StGB), the statute of limitations for offenses punishable by a maximum sentence of more than one year up to five years imprisonment is five years.
Since defamation under Section 186 of the German Criminal Code (StGB) is punishable by imprisonment for up to one year or a fine, the statute of limitations of three years applies in this case.
Start of the statute of limitations
According to § 78a of the German Criminal Code (StGB), the statute of limitations begins to run as soon as the offense is completed. In the case of defamation, this is generally the point in time when the damaging statement was made or disseminated.
Special Feature: Defamation as a Crime Requiring a Complaint
A key characteristic of defamation is that it is a prosecutable offense only upon complaint. This means that prosecution generally only occurs upon the victim's request. According to Section 77b of the German Criminal Code (StGB), this complaint must be filed within three months after the entitled person becomes aware of the offense and the identity of the perpetrator.
This filing deadline must be strictly observed and should not be confused with the actual statute of limitations!
Interruption and suspension of the limitation period
The statute of limitations for criminal offenses can be interrupted or suspended under certain conditions. Section 78c of the German Criminal Code lists a number of actions that cause an interruption of the statute of limitations, including, for example:
- The first interrogation of the accused
- The announcement that a preliminary investigation has been initiated against him
- Any judicial interrogation of the accused
- The scheduling of a main hearing
After each interruption, the statute of limitations begins to run anew. However, it should be noted that according to Section 78c (3) of the Criminal Code (StGB), the statute of limitations expires at the latest when twice the period of limitations has elapsed since the time specified in Section 78a of the Criminal Code (completion of the offense).
Practical tips for those affected
What Should You Do If You're the Victim of Defamation?
- Secure evidence: Take screenshots or other documentation of the defamatory statement, including URL, date, and context.
- Check criminal complaint: Decide within the three-month application period whether you want to file a criminal complaint. To do so, contact the police or the public prosecutor's office directly.
- Seek legal advice A lawyer specializing in criminal law can inform you about your rights and possible courses of action.
- Consideration between criminal and civil proceedings: Often, civil proceedings (e.g., a warning with a cease and desist declaration) are more effective and faster than criminal proceedings.
- For online content: Also check the possibility of contacting the platform operator and informing them of the legal violation to achieve a quick deletion.
Checklist: Deadlines at a Glance
- Criminal complaint 3 months from the time the offense and the perpetrator became known
- Strafrechtliche Verjährung: 3 Jahre ab Beendigung der Tat
- Zivilrechtliche Ansprüche: 3 Jahre zum Jahresende nach Kenntnis
- Gegendarstellungsanspruch: Je nach Pressegesetz des Bundeslandes meist nur wenige Monate
Vorbeugende Maßnahmen und Rechtsschutz
Reputation Management
Um möglichen Rufschädigungen vorzubeugen oder bestehende zu minimieren, empfehlen wir:
- Regelmäßige Überwachung der eigenen Online-Reputation
- Schnelle Reaktion auf potenzielle Verletzungen
- Aufbau einer positiven Online-Präsenz als „Puffer“ gegen Negativinhalte
Rechtlicher Schutz für Unternehmen
Für Unternehmen ist es besonders wichtig, proaktiv gegen üble Nachrede vorzugehen, da Rufschädigungen erhebliche wirtschaftliche Folgen haben können. Empfehlenswert sind:
- Klare interne Kommunikationsrichtlinien
- Etablierte Prozesse zum Monitoring und zur Reaktion auf Rufschädigungen
- Rechtliche Prüfung von kritischen Äußerungen über Wettbewerber vor der Veröffentlichung
Handlungsoptionen strategisch nutzen
Die rechtliche Auseinandersetzung mit Äußerungsdelikten erfordert ein hohes Maß an Expertise und strategischem Denken, insbesondere wenn die betroffenen Personen in der Öffentlichkeit stehen oder wirtschaftlich bedeutende Positionen bekleiden. Während die strafrechtliche Verfolgung an die Antragsfrist von drei Monaten und unterschiedliche Verjährungsfristen gebunden ist, bestehen zivilrechtliche Ansprüche in der Regel für mindestens drei Jahre ab Jahresende nach Kenntnisnahme.
Für unsere anspruchsvolle Mandantschaft – Führungskräfte, Wissenschaftler, Prominente und Unternehmer – ist ein strategisches Vorgehen entscheidend. Die Kombination aus rechtlichen und kommunikativen Maßnahmen muss individuell auf den Einzelfall und die spezifischen Bedürfnisse zugeschnitten werden. Dabei gilt es, nicht nur den unmittelbaren Rechtsverletzungen zu begegnen, sondern auch langfristige Reputationsinteressen zu wahren.
Gerade im digitalen Zeitalter, wo Äußerungen oft dauerhaft abrufbar bleiben und sich viral verbreiten können, kann ein durchdachtes strategisches Vorgehen durch spezialisierte Rechtsanwälte den entscheidenden Unterschied machen – sowohl in wirtschaftlicher Hinsicht als auch für den Schutz der persönlichen Integrität.
Sollten Sie als Person des öffentlichen Lebens, als Wissenschaftler, Führungskraft oder Unternehmer von Äußerungsdelikten betroffen sein oder präventiven Rechtsschutz suchen, stehen wir Ihnen mit unserer spezialisierten Expertise gerne zur Verfügung. Vereinbaren Sie einen unverbindlichen Beratungstermin, um Ihre individuelle Situation zu besprechen und die optimalen Handlungsoptionen zu identifizieren.
Frequently asked questions
Even non-public statements can fulfill the elements of defamation, provided they are made to third parties and are capable of impairing the reputation of the person concerned in their social environment.
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