Whether you're casting along the coast or out on one of the region's great inland lakes, Schleswig-Holstein is a top destination for predator anglers. From the North Sea to the Baltic shore, or on waters like the Plöner See, Wittensee and Westensee — if you hold a valid fishing licence, you're in for an incredible time, from hard-fighting perch to trophy pike.
In this article, we explain how to prepare quickly and efficiently for the fishing exam in Schleswig-Holstein, what costs to expect, and what other requirements you need to meet before you can finally get your line in the water.
We've summarised the most important information in a table below — the detailed text that follows covers everything in full.
Key Facts at a Glance:
Responsible regional association |
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Is there a difference between the Fischereischein and the Fischereierlaubnisschein? |
The Fischereischein is proof of personal competence in accordance with state law and is normally obtained by passing the fishing exam. The Fischereierlaubnisschein is the permission to fish a specific water or stretch of water. The Fischereischein is generally a prerequisite for obtaining a Fischereierlaubnisschein. So in Germany, to fish legally on almost any water, you need both documents. |
What are the requirements to sit the fishing exam in Schleswig-Holstein? |
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Is there a special provision for people with disabilities? |
An exemption from the fishing licence requirement applies to disabled or ill persons who are considered severely disabled under § 2 Para. 2 of the Ninth Book of the German Social Code, or who can provide an official medical certificate showing they are unable to sit the fishing exam. Where this exemption is claimed, the individual must be accompanied by an adult who holds a valid fishing licence. Proof of severe disability or the official medical certificate must be carried along with a fishing permit for the relevant water and presented to authorised inspectors on request. |
Is there a junior fishing licence in Schleswig-Holstein? |
No! |
Where do you register for the fishing exam, and where and when do the exams take place? |
A schedule of exam dates along with email addresses for registration in the various district associations is available HERE! |
Are preparation courses for the fishing exam in Schleswig-Holstein compulsory? |
No! |
How long is the fishing licence valid in Schleswig-Holstein? |
The Fischereischein is valid for life throughout Germany, provided you also hold the relevant Fischereierlaubnisschein and pay the annual fishing levy where applicable. In Schleswig-Holstein, the annual fishing levy (Fischereiabgabe) is €10. |
How is the fishing exam in Schleswig-Holstein structured? What does it cover? |
The fishing exam in Schleswig-Holstein is a six-part, theory-only test in multiple-choice format:
To pass, you must answer at least 45 out of 60 questions correctly, with a minimum of 6 correct answers in each category. |
What costs should you expect for a fishing licence in Schleswig-Holstein? |
1. Preparation (optional): online preparation course with Anglerschmiede = €119 |
Table of Contents
I.) Fishing in Schleswig-Holstein
a.) A Long Coastline and Picturesque Lakes
b.) Fischereischein and Fischereierlaubnisschein
II.) The Fishing Licence in Schleswig-Holstein
a.) Requirements for the Fishing Exam
b.) Registering for the Fishing Exam
c.) Structure and Content of the Fishing Exam
(1) How the Fishing Exam Works
(2) What Exactly Does the Exam Require?
(3) How Long Do You Need to Study?
d.) Exam Preparation
e.) How Do You Receive Your Licence After Passing?
III.) Holiday Fishing Licence
IV.) Fishing Without a Licence — Fines
Lennart's living the dream — pike anglers love Schleswig-Holstein!
I.) Fishing in Schleswig-Holstein
a.) A Long Coastline and Picturesque Lakes
Water everywhere! As well as coastlines on two sides, Schleswig-Holstein has some outstanding inland waters — the Plöner See, for example, is widely regarded as one of Germany's finest pike venues.
To target perch, zander, sea trout, pike and more legally and successfully in Schleswig-Holstein, you'll generally need two important documents alongside the right tackle. The legislator could have chosen clearer names for them: the Fischereischein AND the Fischereierlaubnisschein.
b.) Fischereischein and Fischereierlaubnisschein
Although the two terms sound very similar, there is an important legal distinction between them:
- The Fischereischein (colloquially known as the 'Angelschein') is a prerequisite for fishing in almost every German state. It is a formally required proof of personal competence under state law and is normally tied to passing the fishing exam. Put simply: the legislation in most German states requires anyone who wants to fish to first demonstrate — through an exam — that they have the theoretical and practical knowledge to fish responsibly and in accordance with established principles.
- The Fischereierlaubnisschein (also referred to as a fishing licence, fishing permit, day ticket or water permit, depending on the context) is simply a private-law permission to fish a specific water or stretch of water. In other words: the owner or leaseholder can grant a third party permission — usually for a fee — to fish their water. This permission does not, however, certify any competence or knowledge on the part of the permit holder.
You need both documents for almost every water in Germany. The exam-based Fischereischein is the more fundamental requirement, not least because most parties entitled to issue permits — owners, leaseholders, tackle shops, platforms such as Fiskado and the like — will ask to see it before selling you a permit.
Important! There is a significant legal difference between fishing without a Fischereischein and fishing without a Fischereierlaubnisschein. Fishing without a Fischereischein is an administrative offence, punishable in Schleswig-Holstein by a fine of up to €25,000.
Fishing a water without a Fischereierlaubnisschein — that is, without the owner's or leaseholder's permission — constitutes the criminal offence of poaching (§ 293 StGB) and can be punished not only with a fine but with a custodial sentence of up to 2 years.
A top recommendation for brackish water — and there's plenty of that in Schleswig-Holstein!
II.) The Fishing Licence for Schleswig-Holstein
Under state law, a Fischereischein ('Angelschein') is required for fishing in almost every German state*. Wherever you plan to fish in Germany, you'll be stuck without one.
*In Lower Saxony this is technically not the case; however, in practice, fisheries rights holders (owners and leaseholders) will only issue fishing permits to holders of a valid Fischereischein. |
In Schleswig-Holstein, the exam is a theory-only test that assesses your knowledge of fish, waters and fisheries law. To be admitted, you must meet the following requirements.
a.) Requirements for the Fishing Exam
- Minimum age: 11 years.
- Registration by the applicable deadline
- Valid passport or national ID card
b.) Registering for the Fishing Exam
Exam dates in the various district associations, along with the email addresses of the relevant contacts: Exam Schedule
c.) Structure and Content of the Fishing Exam
(1) How the Fishing Exam Works
The fishing exam in Schleswig-Holstein is a theory-only test.
You answer 60 multiple-choice questions drawn from 6 subject areas, with 120 minutes allowed.
Important! You must bring ID on the day — either your national ID card or passport. Also bring a ballpoint pen that writes in blue or black ink.
(2) What Exactly Does the Exam Require?
Similar to a driving theory test, there is a fixed question bank covering 6 subject areas:
- General fish biology: primarily questions on anatomy, organ functions, diseases and the like in fish, crustaceans and lampreys
- Specific fish biology: primarily questions on the characteristics of individual fish families and species — reproduction, preferred habitat, physiology, etc.
- Water science and fisheries management: primarily questions on types of water and their characteristics
- Animal welfare, nature conservation and environmental protection: primarily questions on species protection and the angler's responsibilities towards the natural environment
- Equipment knowledge: primarily questions on the tackle and accessories used in fishing
- Fisheries law: primarily questions on the applicable state fisheries legislation, protected species in and around waters, and the rights and responsibilities of anglers
12 questions are selected from each subject area for the exam. To pass, you must answer at least 6 questions correctly in each subject area and at least 45 questions correctly in total.
(3) How Long Do You Need to Study?
You'll want to put in some solid preparation time, but there's no need to panic — the scope of the exam is clearly defined. Giving an exact figure is tricky, of course, but fitting study around everyday life, work and family, 4–6 weeks is a realistic target.
d.) Exam Preparation
There are several ways to prepare for the fishing exam. If you prefer working through books, you can study the relevant topics at your own pace. Alternatively, courses are available — either in person or, for those who like to learn flexibly and at their own speed, online.
Online Fishing School: Get Your Licence from the Sofa?
There are several worthwhile online fishing schools whose digital courses are available at any time and offer a flexible, family-friendly alternative to in-person exam preparation. We'd particularly like to point you towards Anglerschmiede, which has been part of Pike & Perch since 2023.
e.) How Do You Receive Your Licence After Passing?
With thorough preparation, the exam shouldn't be a problem. Once you've passed, you can apply for your Fischereischein — you'll find all the information you need for the application in Schleswig-Holstein HERE.
When applying at your local municipal, district or city administration office (Ordnungsamt, Bürgerbüro or Hafenamt), you'll also need a recent passport photo, a valid ID document, and the original certificate of your passed fishing exam together with a copy.
In Schleswig-Holstein, the Fischereischein is issued for life. However, an annual fishing levy of €10 is payable, and you will of course still need a Fischereierlaubnisschein for each water you fish, as already mentioned.
III.) Holiday Fishing Licence
A great option for visitors: the holiday fishing licence!
Schleswig-Holstein has a noteworthy special provision worth mentioning here: visitors have the option of obtaining a holiday fishing licence (Urlauberfischereischein) without having passed the fishing exam. This licence is valid for 28 days and can be extended within the same calendar year for a fee. It doesn't matter whether you live in Schleswig-Holstein, in another German state or outside Germany altogether. You can apply for it through the Schleswig-Holstein state service portal.
---> Apply for Your Holiday Fishing Licence <---
Costs
- Initial issue including fishing levy stamp: €20
- Extension: €10
You will always need a separate Fischereierlaubnisschein for the specific water you intend to fish!
IV.) Fishing Without a Licence — Fines
As already mentioned above, fishing without private-law permission — that is, without a Fischereierlaubnisschein — is treated as a criminal offence (§ 293 StGB, poaching) and can be punished not only with a fine but with a custodial sentence of up to 2 years.
There are also other violations that, while not criminal in nature, still constitute an administrative offence and can be punished with a fine of up to €25,000. HERE you'll find the Schleswig-Holstein Fisheries Act.
