Anyone who does not return the military service questionnaire, or who gives false information, commits an administrative offence according to the Bundeswehr. The Bundeswehr page names a fine range of up to 250 euros. This guide explains the legal basis, how that amount relates to the statutory upper limit and what non-response leads to.
Short answer: Under the Bundeswehr page, not returning the military service questionnaire or giving false information is an administrative offence. The page names a fine range of up to 250 euros, which is planned. Under the Administrative Offences Act (§ 17 para. 1 OWiG), a fine may not exceed 1,000 euros. The government response states that no fine notice had been issued. Last updated: November 2026.
The most important points in brief
- According to the Bundeswehr page (status: 19 Dec 2025), non-response and false information count as an administrative offence.
- The page names section 45 paragraph 1 no. 1 and paragraph 2 of the Military Service Act (WPflG) as the legal basis.
- A fine range of up to 250 euros is planned. The statutory upper limit under the OWiG is 1,000 euros, according to the page.
- The obligation to return the form remains in place despite a fine.
- According to the government response, the competent authority is the Federal Office of Personnel Management of the Bundeswehr.
- According to the page, the amount is planned and is not a final rule.
What is an administrative offence?
An administrative offence is a breach of the law that the statute punishes with a fine. It differs from a criminal offence, which leads to a criminal penalty. For the questionnaire, the Bundeswehr expressly classes non-response and false information in this category. What matters is therefore that a fine can apply, not that criminal proceedings begin.
Which breaches does the Bundeswehr name?
The page names two offences: non-response to the questionnaire and false information. It treats late submission differently, because according to the page a declaration of willingness can be submitted at any time. Anyone who does not respond within the grace period is, according to the page, placed into administrative offence proceedings. The table places these situations in context.
| Situation | Classification according to the Bundeswehr page | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| No return within the deadline | Reminder letter with a new deadline | Reply immediately and note the new deadline |
| No return within the grace period | Administrative offence proceedings are initiated | Return the form before then or contact the authority early |
| False information on the form | Administrative offence | Complete it fully and truthfully |
| Late declaration of willingness | Can be submitted at any time, obligation remains | Submit it rather than waiting |
How high can the fine be?
The Bundeswehr page names a fine range of up to 250 euros and presents it as the planned amount. It also refers to section 17 paragraph 1 of the OWiG, under which a fine may not exceed 1,000 euros. Both figures belong together but describe different levels. The 250 euros is the range currently stated, while 1,000 euros is the statutory upper limit.
| Term | Value | Source and status |
|---|---|---|
| Planned fine range | Up to 250 euros | Bundeswehr page, status 19 Dec 2025 |
| Statutory upper limit under the OWiG | Up to 1,000 euros | Section 17 para. 1 OWiG, as cited on the Bundeswehr page |
| Fine notices issued so far | None named | Government response, printed paper 21/6256 |
What a fine would be in an individual case cannot be derived from this page. The specific procedure and circumstances, which the competent authority examines, decide that.
Legal basis: what the Military Service Act provides
The page cites section 45 paragraph 1 no. 1 and paragraph 2 of the Military Service Act (WPflG). You can find the wording of these provisions in the statute on gesetze-im-internet.de (in German). This guide reproduces only what the Bundeswehr page states and draws no further conclusions about individual cases.
Does paying a fine remove the obligation?
No. According to the Bundeswehr page, the obligation remains despite a fine. A fine does not replace the return of the form. Anyone who pays a fine and continues to stay silent remains obliged to return it. It is therefore worth returning the form even once proceedings are running.
What happens in fine proceedings?
The page only describes the start: after the grace period has passed, administrative offence proceedings are initiated. The further steps, namely a hearing, a fine notice and the option to object to it, follow the Administrative Offences Act (OWiG). If a specific case arises, a lawyer can advise you, because this guide does not replace an individual review.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay a fine if I complete the form?
No. According to the page, a fine threatens in case of non-response or false information. Anyone who completes the form fully, truthfully and on time fulfils the obligation and avoids the offence named.
Is there a fine if I narrowly miss the first deadline?
The page distinguishes between deadline, reminder and grace period. It describes administrative offence proceedings only for non-response within the grace period. A narrowly missed first deadline therefore leads first to a reminder letter. The details on the deadlines are in Military service questionnaire: deadline, reminder and what follows.
Can I avoid a fine by returning the form late?
The page does not clearly settle this. What is certain: according to the page, the declaration of willingness can be submitted at any time. Whether a late submission removes the consequences of proceedings already started is a question for the competent authority or for legal advice.
Is the fine always 250 euros?
No. The page names 250 euros as the planned range. According to the page, the statutory upper limit under the Administrative Offences Act is 1,000 euros. Which amount would be set in an individual case depends on the procedure.
Who is responsible for the procedure?
According to the government response to printed paper 21/6256, the Federal Office of Personnel Management of the Bundeswehr is the competent authority. For queries, use the contact details printed on your covering letter.
What to do now
- Complete the form fully and truthfully.
- Return it within the deadline. The individual deadlines are in the article on the deadline and reminder.
- If a reminder arrives, reply at once and keep to the new deadline.
- If you run into problems, contact the competent authority early and document your enquiry in writing.
- If proceedings have been initiated, get advice before missing any deadline within them.
Related articles
- Military service 2026: the questionnaire is mandatory for men aged 18
- Military service questionnaire: deadline, reminder and what follows
- Musterung 2026: procedure, duration and what to bring
- Deferral from military service because of studies
- Military service and studies 2026: overview
Sources: Bundeswehr: Questionnaire on the new military service (page status: 19 Dec 2025, in German), German Bundestag, printed paper 21/6256 (government response, in German).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
