If you do not attend the Musterung (military screening), you risk consequences named in the Conscription Act (Wehrpflichtgesetz, WPflG) itself: the duty to attend is in section 17 WPflG, and for unexcused absence the law provides for a decision on the file. This guide explains what that means, what the law says about fines and what you can do if you cannot keep an appointment.
In short: Under section 17 WPflG you must follow a summons to the Musterung. If you stay away without excuse and an escorted appearance fails or is futile, the decision is made on the file. A fine can come into play under section 45 WPflG if information is not provided or not provided on time. The provision names no amount. Last updated: November 2026.
Key points
- The duty of military service includes duties to register, to present yourself and to provide information, plus examinations (section 3(1) WPflG). On summons you must appear at the Musterung (section 17(3) WPflG).
- In case of unexcused absence and a failed or futile escorted appearance, the authority decides on the file (section 17 WPflG).
- Section 45 WPflG contains fine provisions, including for information not given, not given correctly, not completely or not on time. The provision names no amount.
- The career centre is responsible for proceedings on information duties (section 45(3) WPflG).
- Anyone who reports a valid reason in good time is, by the wording of the law, not absent without excuse.
What does the law require when you are summoned?
Under section 3(1) WPflG the duty of military service is fulfilled through military service, for recognised conscientious objectors through civilian service. It includes duties to register, to present yourself and to provide information, examinations and bringing equipment at the start of service. For the Musterung, section 17 WPflG is more specific: the conscription authorities carry it out, and you must provide information and submit documents. If the career centres (Karrierecenter) summon you, you must appear and bring the documents named in the summons.
According to the Bundeswehr, the duty to attend the Musterung applies to men liable for service from the 2008 birth cohort (page as of 10 March 2026). According to the same page, the regional centres are still being built up. Until then mainly men who show interest in service are invited. What counts for you is what your summons says. For the course of the day see (in German): Musterung 2026: Ablauf, Dauer und was man mitbringen muss.
What happens in case of unexcused absence?
Section 17 WPflG regulates the case expressly. If you stay away from the Musterung without excuse, an escorted appearance (Vorführung) can be ordered. If it has failed or is futile, the decision is made on the file (nach Aktenlage). The same applies if you refuse the medical examination. A decision on the file means: the authority decides on fitness and deployment on the basis of the documents it holds, without having examined you in person.
This is not a penalty, but not a neutral event either. You lose the chance to have your health limitations examined in person and to set them out at the Musterung itself. Anyone with health reasons that speak against service should therefore report and document them in writing before the appointment instead of simply staying away.
Is a fine possible if you do not appear?
A separate fine provision for mere non-appearance is not expressly in the wording of section 45(1) WPflG. The provision does cover anyone who, intentionally or negligently, does not give the declaration of readiness correctly or completely, disobeys an enforceable order, does not provide information under section 17(3) at all, correctly, completely or on time, or breaches reporting duties. Under section 45(2) WPflG the administrative offence can be punished with a fine. The provision names no amount.
| Duty | Provision | Possible consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Give the declaration of readiness correctly and completely | Section 15a, section 45(1) no. 1 WPflG | Administrative offence, fine |
| Comply with an enforceable order | Section 45(1) no. 2 WPflG | Administrative offence, fine |
| Provide information and documents for the Musterung | Section 17(3), section 45(1) no. 3 WPflG | Administrative offence, fine |
| Appear at the Musterung | Section 17(3) WPflG | Escorted appearance, then decision on the file |
For the questionnaire the Bundeswehr refers to a planned fine range of up to 250 euros and to the statutory ceiling of 1,000 euros under section 17(1) of the Administrative Offences Act (page as of 19 December 2025). That figure applies to the questionnaire. For not appearing at the Musterung the Bundeswehr names no amount on its screening page. The fine for the questionnaire is covered in the article (in German): Wehrdienst-Fragebogen: Bußgeld bei Nichtabgabe.
What about an application for conscientious objection?
Under section 3 KDVG, an application for recognition as a conscientious objector does not exempt you from registration and the duty to attend the Musterung. Section 7 KDVG expressly names refusal of the Musterung among the grounds for rejection. Anyone who wants to object should therefore still attend the Musterung. More in the articles (in German) KDV nach der Musterung and Gewissensentscheidung beim Wehrdienst.
What to do if you cannot keep the appointment?
The law ties the consequences to unexcused absence. What matters is therefore that you report a valid reason early and provably. Possible reasons include illness, an exam date or a stay abroad. What the career centres accept as a sufficient excuse and whether they offer a replacement date is not spelled out in detail by the law or the Bundeswehr page. Ask in writing at the career centre named in your summons and have the answer confirmed.
For students, an exam date is the most common reason. Submit a certificate from your university and ask for a new date. Whether studying justifies a deferral is a different procedure explained in the article (in German) Zurückstellung vom Wehrdienst wegen Studium beantragen.
Frequently asked questions
Can the police bring me to the Musterung?
The law speaks of an escorted appearance. If it has failed or promises no success, the decision is made on the file. Who triggers the appearance and how it works depends on the provisions cited there and on the summons.
Am I excused if I report sick?
The law makes unexcused absence the condition for the consequences. A timely, documented sick note is therefore the right route. How the career centre assesses it and what proof it requires, you clarify there.
What if I did not receive the letter?
Whether a summons reached you is a question of delivery and of the individual case. The article (in German) Wehrdienst-Fragebogen: Was passiert, wenn der Brief fehlt? covers the related case for the questionnaire.
Does the Musterung lapse if I do not appear?
No. For unexcused absence the law provides for a decision on the file, so the duty does not disappear by itself. For legal advice in an individual case, consult a lawyer.
What to do now
- Read the summons immediately and note date, place and contact office.
- Check whether the date clashes with an exam or another binding appointment.
- Report obstacles to the career centre early and in writing, with proof.
- Have a new date confirmed in writing.
- If in doubt, get legal advice before staying away.
Related guides (in German)
- Wehrdienst und Studium 2026: Der Überblick
- Musterung ab Jahrgang 2008
- Musterungsbescheid erhalten
- Tauglichkeit bei der Musterung
- Bußgeld bei Nichtabgabe des Fragebogens
Sources: Conscription Act (WPflG), sections 3 and 17, gesetze-im-internet.de, Section 45 WPflG, fines, gesetze-im-internet.de, Conscientious Objection Act, sections 3 and 7, gesetze-im-internet.de, Bundeswehr: assessment and Musterung (page as of 10 March 2026), Bundeswehr: questionnaire on the new military service (page as of 19 December 2025).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
