The obligation to attend the Musterung (medical examination for military service) applies to male conscripts from birth cohort 2008 onwards, according to the Bundeswehr. The birth year, not the date of a letter, decides. This guide answers the most common questions and marks where the sources do not give a clear answer.
Short answer: According to the Bundeswehr page, the obligation to attend the examination applies to male conscripts from birth cohort 2008 onwards. Earlier cohorts are not currently planned according to the page. The government response states that from mid-2027, only birth cohort 2008 is to be called. Women take part voluntarily. Last updated: November 2026.
The most important points in brief
- According to the Bundeswehr, the obligation begins with birth cohort 2008 (page status: 10 Mar 2026).
- Cohorts before 2008 are, according to the page, not currently planned.
- According to the government response, from mid-2027 only birth cohort 2008 is to be called.
- Women take part in the assessment voluntarily.
- The page names no exceptions. If you are unsure, clarify in writing with the competent authority.
From which birth cohort does the obligation apply?
The table shows what the sources state for each birth cohort. The right-hand column names where the information is missing.
| Birth cohort | Obligation according to the source | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Obligation; the Bundeswehr page names this as the starting cohort | Page status: 10 Mar 2026 |
| Before 2008 | Not currently planned | According to the Bundeswehr page |
| 2009 and later | No clear statement on the page | The competent authority decides individual cases |
The year 2008 is therefore central. Anyone born in 2008 turns 18 in 2026. For younger cohorts the page gives no clear information that could be cited here. In that case ask the competent authority before assuming anything.
What has the government said about birth cohort 2008?
The government response to printed paper 21/6256 states that from mid-2027, only birth cohort 2008 is to be called to the examination. This describes a plan for calling people, not the obligation itself. The exact provision on which the obligation rests is found in the Military Service Act. This guide does not cite it, because the sources do not confirm the wording clearly enough.
Who has to attend?
According to the Bundeswehr page, male conscripts from birth cohort 2008 onwards are affected. The obligation is tied to sex and birth cohort. The page on the questionnaire also speaks of men with German citizenship when it comes to returning the form. Whether that also applies to the examination cannot be read clearly from the examination page.
If you receive the questionnaire, the examination is among the next steps. Both topics are covered in Military service 2026: the questionnaire is mandatory for men aged 18 and Musterung 2026: procedure and duration.
What applies to women?
The Bundeswehr page on the examination states that women take part in the assessment voluntarily. According to the page, no obligation to attend applies to women. Anyone who volunteers should ask the Bundeswehr directly about the procedure and the requirements, because the page gives no further details.
Are there exceptions to the obligation?
The Bundeswehr page on the examination names no exceptions. Reasons such as limited fitness or a residence abroad are not described there as an exemption either. The procedure itself does assess fitness, but this does not automatically release anyone from the obligation to attend the appointment.
If you think you are not affected for a specific reason, do not rely on your own assumption. Clarify the question in writing with the competent authority and keep the reply.
Why the birth cohort matters
The Bundeswehr page ties the obligation to the birth cohort and not to training status. Knowing your cohort helps you classify invitations quickly. Whether training status plays a role, for example an ongoing degree, is not stated on the page. This is an important difference from a deferral, which depends on an application.
What to check in an invitation
Check whether the invitation names a date, a time, a location and a contact point. If any of these is missing, ask in writing before the appointment approaches. Compare the birth year in the letter with your documents. If it does not match, clarify this at once, because it may be an error in the assignment.
Keep the invitation together with the questionnaire. You then have both steps in one place if follow-up questions arrive later. Note whom you contacted, the date and the content of the answer. A written reply is worth much more in a dispute than a recollection of a phone call, even when the answer sounded reassuring.
Frequently asked questions
I was born in 2008. Do I have to attend the examination?
According to the Bundeswehr page, the obligation begins with birth cohort 2008. Anyone in that cohort who is subject to military service is affected according to the page. An invitation confirms the appointment in an individual case. Keep to the appointment until another body tells you otherwise in writing.
Do I have to attend if I am older than birth cohort 2008?
According to the page, cohorts before 2008 are not currently planned. If you still receive an invitation, clarify this in writing before you cancel or postpone the appointment. A verbal answer is not enough for that.
Is the examination the same as the questionnaire?
No. The questionnaire is the response, the examination is the appointment. The deadline for the questionnaire is described in Military service questionnaire: deadline, reminder and what follows.
What happens if I do not attend the examination?
The Bundeswehr page on the examination does not state consequences of a missed appointment that could be cited here with certainty. If obstacles arise, contact the competent authority in good time before the appointment passes. For fines relating to the questionnaire, see Military service questionnaire: fines for non-response and consequences.
Does the examination apply during my studies?
The page names no exception for students. Whether and how an appointment can be moved is a matter for the inviting body. The deferral from military service, which depends on an application, is covered in Deferral from military service because of studies.
What if I receive a notice after the examination?
Then review the letter calmly and note the deadlines. The next steps are described in Musterungsbescheid erhalten: Was jetzt zu tun ist.
What to do now
- Check your birth year and whether it matches the information on the Bundeswehr page.
- If you receive an invitation, note the date, time and location at once.
- Ask in writing about any unclear points on birth year, exceptions or dates.
- Keep answers in writing together with the questionnaire.
Related articles
- Musterung 2026: procedure and duration
- Military service 2026: the questionnaire is mandatory for men aged 18
- Military service questionnaire: deadline, reminder and what follows
- Deferral from military service because of studies
- Military service and studies 2026: overview
Sources: Bundeswehr: Assessment and medical examination (page status: 10 Mar 2026, in German), German Bundestag, printed paper 21/6256 (government response, in German).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
