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Mandatory nutrient lists on packaged food*
Clearly visible "interpretative" labels and warning labels
Rules on nutrient claims (ie nutrient content and nutrient comparative claims)
Rules on health claims (ie nutrient function and disease risk reduction claims)
Fruit & vegetable initiatives in schools
Mandatory standards for food available in schools including restrictions on unhealthy food
Voluntary guidelines for food available in schools
Standards in other specific locations (eg health facilities workplace)
Targeted subsidies for healthy food*
Government support voluntary pledges developed by industry
Voluntary reformulation of food products
Nutrition standards for public procurement
Development and communication of food-based dietary guidelines
Public awareness campaigns specific to fruit and vegetables
Training for health professionals
Nutrition education on curricula
Cooking skills
Nutrition label standards and regulations on the use of claims and implied claims on food
Mandatory nutrient lists on packaged food*
*Most other countries follow Guideline CAC/GL 2-1985 from the Codex Alimentarius Commission in requiring nutrition labels only when a nutrition or health claim is made and/or on food with special dietary uses
Nutrition label standards and regulations on the use of claims and implied claims on food
Clearly visible "interpretative" labels and warning labels
Nutri-score front-of-pack labeling — Germany
As of 2020, Germany has rolled out the Nutri-Score front-of-pack labeling scheme, which provides a combined scale of colours and letters designed to make it easier for consumers to recognise and compare the nutritional quality of products. This is a voluntary mechanism for businesses choosing to use this labeling scheme.
Country TopicsNutrition label standards and regulations on the use of claims and implied claims on food
Rules on nutrient claims (ie nutrient content and nutrient comparative claims)
EU nutrient claims – Germany
Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').
Country TopicsNutrition label standards and regulations on the use of claims and implied claims on food
Rules on health claims (ie nutrient function and disease risk reduction claims)
EU health claims – Germany
Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".
Country TopicsOffer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings
Fruit & vegetable initiatives in schools
EU fruit and vegetable scheme – Germany
The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children and level of development of the country. The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures, such as farm and market visits, educational material distributed to teachers and interactive games on education and nutrition, and regularly monitor and evaluate implementation. Foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavor enhances are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Member States determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food.
Evaluations
European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) Evaluation of the European School Fruit Scheme Final Report. European Commission, Brussels.
European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.
Country TopicsOffer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings
Mandatory standards for food available in schools including restrictions on unhealthy food
The German Nutrition Society (DGE) guidelines on quality standards for school meals
Two German states have enshrined the voluntary guidelines on quality standards for school meals by the German Nutrition Society (DGE) in law: Berlin implemented the Law for quality improvements of school lunch meals in 2014 in all-day primary schools. The Law sets the DGE quality standards as a minimum requirement which schools have to adhere to, in addition to setting up a lunch meal committee that regularly conducts quality controls and supports the selection of appropriate food suppliers.
The state of Saarland requires all-day primary and secondary schools to provide school meals that are in line with DGE quality standards (Article 8 of the Regulation of all-day primary and secondary schools).
The DGE guidelines recommend that schools provide water and unsweetened herbal or fruit teas, and prohibit drinks that are high in sugar including juices and energy drinks. The guidelines contain a 20-day plan suggesting serving whole grains on at least four days and potato products a maximum of four days; salad, vegetables or legumes each day; fruit at least eight times; dairy products (ideally low-fat) at least eight times; fish at least four times and meat a maximum of eight times; rapeseed oil is the only permitted oil.
In 2024, the guidelines were updated to reflect that an environmentally friendly and healthy diet is ¾ plant based and ¼ animal based.
The recommendations are as follows:
- Beverages are the largest food group with a daily drinking amount of around 1.5 litres of water.
- 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day
- 1 portion of legumes per week
- 1 portion of nuts and seeds per day
- 5 portions of grain, bread, or pasta per day, of which at least 1/3 should be wholegrain
- 1 portion at 10g a day (preferably rapeseed, walnut, flaxseed, soy, or olive oil).
- A maximum of 300g of meat or sausage per week and 120g of Fish
- 2 portions of dairy products per day and if plant based alternative are used instead, they should be fortified with B2 and iodine.
The recommendations apply to omnivorous, healthy adults - the next step will be to develop separate recommendations for children and adolescents, as well as people with vegetarian and vegan diets.
Country TopicsOffer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings
Voluntary guidelines for food available in schools
Standards for catering in daycare centers — Germany
The aim of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) "Quality standard for catering in daycare centers" is to support those responsible for catering in day-care facilities for children in implementing needs-based and balanced catering and thus to enable the children to choose from a full range of meals. The revised DGE - quality standard describes, based on the current scientific data, the criteria for optimal, health- promoting and nutritious catering. These are voluntary standards.
Country TopicsStandards for catering in schools — Germany
The aim of the German Nutrition Society "Quality standard for catering in schools" is to support those responsible for school catering in implementing a balanced lunch and snack menu that is tailored to the needs of children and adolescents and to enable them to eat adequately. Recommendations in these standards include providing products with a low percentage of sugar, fat and salts. The German Nutrition Society (DGE) has set voluntary guidelines on quality standards for school meals in Germany. The guidelines recommend that schools provide water and unsweetened herbal or fruit teas and prohibit drinks that are high in sugar including juices and energy drinks. The guidelines contain a 20-day plan suggesting serving whole grains on at least four days and potato products a maximum of four days; salad, vegetables or legumes each day; fruit at least eight times; dairy products (ideally low-fat) at least eight times; fish at least four times and meat a maximum of eight times; rapeseed oil is the only permitted oil. These standards are not mandatory.
In 2024, the DGE guidelines were updated to reflect that an environmentally friendly and healthy diet is ¾ plant based and ¼ animal based.
The recommendations are as follows:
- Beverages are the largest food group with a daily drinking amount of around 1.5 litres of water.
- 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day
- 1 portion of legumes per week
- 1 portion of nuts and seeds per day
- 5 portions of grain, bread, or pasta per day, of which at least 1/3 should be wholegrain
- 1 portion at 10g a day (preferably rapeseed, walnut, flaxseed, soy, or olive oil).
- A maximum of 300g of meat or sausage per week and 120g of Fish
- 2 portions of dairy products per day and if plant based alternative are used instead, they should be fortified with B2 and iodine.
The recommendations apply to omnivorous, healthy adults - the next step will be to develop separate recommendations for children and adolescents, as well as people with vegetarian and vegan diets
The German Nutrition Society (DGE) guidelines on quality standards for school meals
The German Nutrition Society (DGE) has set voluntary guidelines on quality standards for school meals in Germany. The guidelines recommend that schools provide water and unsweetened herbal or fruit teas and prohibit drinks that are high in sugar including juices and energy drinks. The guidelines contain a 20-day plan suggesting serving whole grains on at least four days and potato products a maximum of four days; salad, vegetables or legumes each day; fruit at least eight times; dairy products (ideally low-fat) at least eight times; fish at least four times and meat a maximum of eight times; rapeseed oil is the only permitted oil.
Many local school authorities (Schulträger) contractually require food suppliers to adhere to DGE quality standards. Two German states, Berlin and Saarland, have enshrined the voluntary guidelines in law (see above under "R – Mandatory standards for food available in schools, including restrictions on unhealthy food").
In 2024, the guidelines were updated to reflect that an environmentally friendly and healthy diet is ¾ plant based and ¼ animal based.
The recommendations are as follows:
- Beverages are the largest food group with a daily drinking amount of around 1.5 litres of water.
- 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day
- 1 portion of legumes per week
- 1 portion of nuts and seeds per day
- 5 portions of grain, bread, or pasta per day, of which at least 1/3 should be wholegrain
- 1 portion at 10g a day (preferably rapeseed, walnut, flaxseed, soy, or olive oil).
- A maximum of 300g of meat or sausage per week and 120g of Fish
- 2 portions of dairy products per day and if plant based alternative are used instead, they should be fortified with B2 and iodine.
The recommendations apply to omnivorous, healthy adults - the next step will be to develop separate recommendations for children and adolescents, as well as people with vegetarian and vegan diets.
Offer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings
Standards in other specific locations (eg health facilities workplace)
The IN–FORM Initiative
The German Nutrition Society (DGE) developed various voluntary guidelines on quality standards for meals in specific settings as part of IN–FORM - Germany’s initiative to promote healthy diets and more exercise. Core elements of the DGE quality standards are criteria for optimal food choices, the frequency of serving various food groups, and menu planning and preparation to optimise the nutrient content of the offered food.
- In all settings, rapeseed oil is the standard cooking oil, and water as well as unsweetened herbal or fruit teas are the recommended beverages.
- For nurseries (age 0–6) (2009, revised in 2014), the guidelines prohibit drinks that are high in sugar, including juice and soft drinks as well as energy drinks. They contain a 20-day lunch plan suggesting serving whole grains on at least four days and potato products a maximum of four days; salad, vegetables or legumes each day; fruit at least eight times; dairy products (ideally low-fat) at least eight times; fish at least four times and meat at a maximum of eight times. To date, around one-third of all nurseries act in accordance with the DGE standard.
- For canteens in the workplace, the guidelines (2008, revised in 2014) contain a five-day lunch plan suggesting serving whole grains at least once and potato products not more than once; salad, vegetables or legumes each day; fruit at least twice; dairy products (ideally low-fat) at least twice; fish at least once and meat at a maximum of two days.
- For meals in hospitals (2011, revised in 2014), rehabilitation centres (2011, revised in 2014) and care homes for elderly (2009, revised in 2014), the guidelines contain a seven-day meal plan for three meals and according to requirements two additional snacks per day suggesting serving whole grains at least 14 times and potato products a maximum of two times; salad, vegetables or legumes three times each day; fruit two times each day; dairy products (ideally low-fat) at least two times a day; fish at least twice a week and meat at a maximum of three times a week.
- For meals on wheels (2010, revised in 2014), a service providing meals for persons aged 65+ living in their own homes, the guidelines contain a seven-day lunch plan suggesting serving whole grains at least once and potato products no more than once; salad, vegetables or legumes each day; fruit three times; dairy products (ideally low-fat) at least three times; fish at least once a week and meat at a maximum of three times a week. The guidelines do not include recommendations for beverages, as they do not form part of the standard meal service (but will be provided upon request).
Standards for catering in companies — Germany
The aim of the German Nutrition Society "Quality standard for catering in companies" is to support those responsible for catering in company restaurants and canteens in implementing needs-based, balanced catering. It outlines criteria for breakfast and snacks as well as an ovo-lacto-vegetarian menu line have been added. These standards are not mandatory and are currently based canteens
Country TopicsUse economic tools to address food affordability and purchase incentives
Targeted subsidies for healthy food*
*Private insurance providers also offer private subsidy schemes. For example, South Africa’s largest private health insurer, Discovery Health, runs the cash back rebate programme "Vitality", in which healthier items purchased in food shops receive a 10% discount.
Free School Meals - Germany
In Germany, lunch is provided only in all-day schools and is mostly subsidised. This can be reimbursed, as part of the education and participation benefits (if they apply for these benefits) if low-income households with children with basic income support for jobseekers, social assistance, asylum seekers benefits or supplementary child benefit or housing benefit (under the Child Benefit Act). The cost of school lunches covered as part of the education and participation benefits (EAPB). Households have access to the EAPB if they are on minimum-income benefits (basic income support for jobseekers or social assistance or the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act), on supplementary child benefit or on housing benefit.
Country TopicsRestrict food advertising and other forms of commercial promotion
Government support voluntary pledges developed by industry
Voluntary food labeling — Germany
In addition to the mandatory labeling requirements, many labels provide additional information about the quality or production of food. Some of these voluntary labels or marks must comply with certain government-defined criteria. An example of this, is the "Ohne Gentechnik" logo, which is only awarded to products that can be proven to contain no genetially modifed components.
Country TopicsImprove nutritional quality of the whole food supply
Voluntary reformulation of food products
Voluntary food reformulation — Germany
The food industry is committed to achieve concrete reduction targets by 2025 – in particular for children’s products, reducing sugar, fat and salt levels in read made products. It intends to reach these goals via voluntary commitments. The measures taken under the strategy are supposed to be implemented by 2025. The aim is to reduce the amount of sugar in breakfast cereals for children by at least 20 percent, and in soft drinks and in sweetened dairy products for children by about 15 percent. Drinks containing fruit and added sugar are also intended to have 15 percent less added sugar.
Country TopicsHarness supply chain and actions across sectors to ensure coherence with health
Nutrition standards for public procurement
Standards for meals in retirement homes — Germany
"Meals on Wheels" are privately purchased meals produced by a manufacturer and deliverty to customers directly. The German Nutrition Society provides quality standards and certifications for the manufacturers.
Country TopicsInform people about food and nutrition through public awareness
Development and communication of food-based dietary guidelines
Food–based dietary guidelines – Germany
In 2013, Germany published 'Ten guidelines for wholesome eating and drinking from the German Nutrition Society' intended for the general healthy population. Germany uses the nutrition circle as its food guide. The nutrition circle is divided into six food groups: cereals and potatoes; vegetables; fruits; milk and dairy products; meat, sausages, fish and eggs; and fats and oils. The size of the group segments decreases from the first to the last group, thus illustrating the relative quantities of the individual food groups. A seventh group (water and beverages), represented by a glass of water, is placed in the middle of the nutrition circle.
The German Nutrition Society has also developed a Food Pyramid as a pictoral model to present its nutritional recommendations. The basis of the pyramid is the nutrition circle, and traffic light colours are used to provide orientation to food choices.
In 2024, the guidelines were updated to reflect that an environmentally friendly and healthy diet is ¾ plant based and ¼ animal based.
The recommendations are as follows:
- Beverages are the largest food group with a daily drinking amount of around 1.5 litres of water.
- 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day
- 1 portion of legumes per week
- 1 portion of nuts and seeds per day
- 5 portions of grain, bread, or pasta per day, of which at least 1/3 should be wholegrain
- 1 portion at 10g a day (preferably rapeseed, walnut, flaxseed, soy, or olive oil).
- A maximum of 300g of meat or sausage per week and 120g of Fish
- 2 portions of dairy products per day and if plant based alternative are used instead, they should be fortified with B2 and iodine.
The recommendations apply to omnivorous, healthy adults - the next step will be to develop separate recommendations for children and adolescents, as well as people with vegetarian and vegan diets.
Inform people about food and nutrition through public awareness
Public awareness campaigns specific to fruit and vegetables
Snack5 Campaign — Germany
The goal of the Snack5 campaign, which began in 2019, is to motivate people to eat more vegetables and fruits, preferably five servings a day. Three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit per day are ideal. These five servings correspond to a daily amount of around 650 grams. The Snack5 campaign provides information online, in social media channels, at trade fairs and goes to where people spend a large part of their everyday life: in companies and in schools.
Country TopicsPublic awareness campaign – Germany
The German Government implemented a fruit and vegetable campaign that promotes the consumption of a certain number of fruit and vegetable portions a day. The campaign is called '5 a day'.
Country TopicsNutrition advice and counselling in healthcare settings
Training for health professionals
The IN-FORM Initiative
The German national IN-FORM initiative, launched in 2008 by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, promotes healthy diets and physical activity, and includes provisions to integrate diet and physical activity into training programmes for health professionals. These provisions have not been implemented nationally, but through actions in some states and communities.
Country TopicsGive nutrition education and skills
Nutrition education on curricula
Nutrition education in schools — Germany
The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture has developed a concept for strengthening nutrition education in schools, with the aim to improve the preparation of teachers on topics of food and nutrition. This includes training for teachers, trainees and students, with the provision of tailored teaching material and checked specialist content.
Country TopicsGive nutrition education and skills
Cooking skills
The IN-FORM Initiative
In 2007, the voluntary “nutrition licence” programme for elementary school children in Germany was introduced through “IN FORM”, an initiative to promote healthy diets and exercise by the Ministry of Nutrition and Agriculture and the Ministry of Health. Children are taught cooking skills, hygiene rules and the nutrition pyramid in year 3 of elementary school. After taking an oral and written exam, they receive a personalised nutrition licence (“Ernährungs-Führerschein”). As of May 2016, 780,000 pupils have taken part in the programme. With the support of the Ministry of Nutrition and Agriculture, aid infodienst, a German non-profit association, trained 5,000 elementary teachers and 600 trainers to deliver the “nutrition licence” programme. aid infodienst also supplies the teaching material.
Country Topics
Physical education in the curriculum
Policies increasing physical activity in and outside of classrooms
Community initiatives promoting physical activity across the life course
Policies promoting/supporting physical activity for least active groups and vulnerable/marginalised people
Financial and non-financial incentives to promote physical activity
Pre-and in-service training for relevant professions outside of health care (such as educators, architects, planners, landscape architects, park and recreation professionals)
Policies promoting physical activity in the workplace
Design guidelines and regulations for buildings that prioritise equitable, safe, and universal access by all, that encourage occupants to be physically active
Active design guidelines for open/green spaces
Walking and cycling infrastructure
Road safety actions including safety of pedestrians, cyclists etc
Mass communication campaigns to increase awareness about road safety
Mass communication campaigns to promote active transport
Policies promoting active transport
Policies promoting active transport to and from school
Policies promoting active transport to and from work
Mass communication campaigns including social marketing to increase awareness and knowledge about benefits of physical activity through the life course
Mass communication campaigns including social marketing to change social norms about the accessibility and need for physical activity
Develop and communicate physical activity guidelines
Primary care (assessment, counselling and physical activity prescriptions)
Make opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, the community and sport and recreation
Physical education in the curriculum
Moving Schools (Bewegte Schule)
Physical education (PE) in both primary and secondary schools varies across Germany owing to the federal system, with power devolved to the local level. PE is mandatory in primary and secondary schools across all Länder, and on average 3—5 hours are provided per week. The different states use terms such as Moving Schools (Bewegte Schule, Bewegungsfreudige Schule, Bewegungsfreundliche Schule) to describe the objective of making schools, pupils and the learning process more movement-friendly, including active breaks every day or entire lessons held in motion.
Country TopicsMake opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, the community and sport and recreation
Policies increasing physical activity in and outside of classrooms
Federal Youth Games (Bundesjugendspiele)
The Federal Youth Games (Bundesjugendspiele) are an annual sports event that takes place at German schools and German international schools. They are obligatory for all students. The participating students are expected to achieve the best possible performances in specific disciplines, like athletics or gymnastics. In athletics, usually a combination consisting of the disciplines ball-throwing (shot put in higher age groups), running, and long jump is performed. The performances achieved are rated with points. If the participants achieve a specific minimum score, they are given a simple certificate. Above a certain higher score they receive an honorary certificate, which bears the (printed) signature of the Federal President. Since 1991, all other students, who have neither received a certificate of achievement nor an honorary certificate, get a certificate of participation. The National Paralympic Committee Germany and the Deutsche Behindertensportjugend have, in collaboration with the committee for the Bundesjugendspiele and the commission of sports in the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK), developed a programme for the participation of students with disabilities.
Country TopicsFederal framework recommendations
(See V- visualise and enact structures and surroundings which promote physical activity and O- offer physical activity opportunities in the workplace and training physical activity promotion across multiple professions)
Country TopicsMake opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, the community and sport and recreation
Community initiatives promoting physical activity across the life course
Family+
The Family+ – Living Healthy Together in Family and School project is a preventive approach to promoting weight-related behaviours in the lives of children and adolescents. The project is planned for a term of three years and is funded by the Federal Ministry of Health (BGM). It aims to promote a healthy lifestyle with more exercise and a balanced diet for primary school children and their families. Children and their families should be reached as a whole and changes should be firmly anchored in everyday family life. Family+ aims to reach and actively involve not only children, but also their parents and families, thus linking the two living environments. In the project, measures for the two living environments of school and family are designed, adapted to local conditions and implemented. It is envisaged, for example, that children receive health-related “homework” from their teachers, which they do together with their families. With a combination of family and school life, the topics of nutrition, exercise, sleep and sitting behaviour are addressed and designed to promote health.
Country TopicsIN FORM - Germany's initiative for healthy eating and more exercise
Make opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, the community and sport and recreation
Policies promoting/supporting physical activity for least active groups and vulnerable/marginalised people
Getting Older in Balance (Älter Werden in Balance)
The Getting Older in Balance (Älter Werden in Balance) is a prevention programme of the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA). It aims to provide information and tips for staying fit in everyday life and remaining agile and fit throughout the ageing process aimed at elderly people. The programme is promoting self-determination, mobility and thus quality of life in older age. The focus of the programme is in balance with the promotional of physical activity; even a little more regular physical activity could help accelerate a healing process. The PKV association has been funding the program since 2014.
Country TopicsFederal Youth Games programme for schoolchildren with disabilities
The German Disabled Sports Association (DBS) and the German Disabled Sports Youth (DBSJ) have developed a programme that for the first time enables pupils with disabilities at regular schools to participate in the national youth games. The programme takes up the structure of the current tender for the Federal Youth Games. The classification of the pupils with disabilities in starting classes is simple and the use of the common evaluation tool is possible without any problems. The programme thus ensures that the Federal Youth Games are held for all students.
Country TopicsMake opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, the community and sport and recreation
Financial and non-financial incentives to promote physical activity
Funding priority “Physical activity and physical activity promotion”
From 2019 to 2022, the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) is funding a total of ten projects, with the focus on practical implementation research in order to change people's everyday physical activity in the future. The funded projects cover different living environments, target and age groups, so that the entire population can be represented, if possible.
Country TopicsFund promoting cycling as a university subject
With a volume of 8.3 million euros, the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) is funding, endowed chairs on cycling. 33 institutions of higher education have expressed their interest and specialised master’s programmes were accredited at seven of them. The objective of the fund is to embed cycling in research and teaching – from infrastructure planning through mobility management to cycling-friendly legislation.
Country TopicsOffer physical activity opportunities in the workplace and training in physical activity promotion across multiple professions
Pre-and in-service training for relevant professions outside of health care (such as educators, architects, planners, landscape architects, park and recreation professionals)
Bicycle Academy
The Bicycle Academy at the German Institute for Urban Studies (Difu) has been pursuing to promote cycling in Germany within the framework of a sustainable transport and mobility policy since 2007, with the support of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI), as well as with the support of the German District Council, the German Association of Cities and Towns and the German Association of Cities, with steadily growing demand. The further training offer includes seminars lasting one or more days throughout Germany, workshops and excursions. In addition, the annual bicycle municipal conference supports cooperation between the municipalities. In a compact and practical form, the events of the bicycle academy are aimed at actors from politics, administration and associations - especially in the following areas: road planning, traffic development planning, civil engineering, road traffic law, traffic safety, traffic control, traffic regulations, urban planning, public transportation, traffic education, schools, kindergartens, youth and sports, city marketing and tourism. In addition to the general training programme, the bicycle academy holds special events on current topics in transport and mobility policy. This offer is aimed at actors at the management and decision-making level of the federal, state and local authorities.
Country TopicsOffer physical activity opportunities in the workplace and training in physical activity promotion across multiple professions
Policies promoting physical activity in the workplace
Federal framework recommendations
Prevention and health promotion goals of the GKV 2019-2024
Protection and strengthening of the musculoskeletal system in the working world: The number and proportion of companies reached with situational and behavioural measures to prevent and reduce work-related strain on the musculoskeletal system and to promote physical activity in the company and in the company environment have increased.
Country TopicsVisualise and enact structures and surroundings which promote physical activity
Design guidelines and regulations for buildings that prioritise equitable, safe, and universal access by all, that encourage occupants to be physically active
Federal Framework Recommendations
The aim of the federal framework recommendations is to set up or strengthen structures that contribute to health-promoting living and working conditions. Those living and working in the living environments should be supported in improving their health skills and fully exploiting their resources for a healthy life.
Measures to promote physical activity in everyday life should be geared to the needs of the various target groups such as:
Children and juveniles:
• Strengthen the role model function of parents to support the physical movement impulses of children in their home and in the domestic environment
• Encourage and facilitate physical movement in day-care centres by providing spaces for free movement and instruction by qualified specialists Increase physical activity time in schools (additional school sports activities, ‘get-up-and-move’ breaks, active after-school care) in combination with context-based interventions (movement-friendly schoolyards, ways of getting to school that encourage physical movement)
• Advice and programmes on physical activity with social integration, particularly in the setting of the local community (senior citizens’ centres, physical activity courses, clubs) • Exercise programmes with social integration in residential care facilities
(See O- Offer physical activity opportunities in the workplace and training in physical activity across multiple professions and M- Make opportunities and initiatives that promote physical activity in schools, community, sport and recreation)
Country TopicsVisualise and enact structures and surroundings which promote physical activity
Active design guidelines for open/green spaces
Social cities
The federal and state governments supported the stabilization and upgrading of urban, economically, and socially disadvantaged and structurally weak urban and district areas with the "Social City" urban development program. Developments were in the infrastructure and in the quality of living ensured more intergenerational equity and family-friendliness in the district and improved the opportunities for participation and integration for those living there. The aim was to promote lively neighbourhoods and strengthen social cohesion.
Country TopicsVisualise and enact structures and surroundings which promote physical activity
Walking and cycling infrastructure
Guidelines for the construction of city streets (RASt 06)
In December 2008 the Research Society for Roads and Traffic (FGSV) published corrections to the German Guidelines for Urban Street Design (Richtlinien für die Anlage von Stadtstraßen, RASt), 2006 edition. The guidelines establish high standards for pavement widths, cycle routes, crossing points, and traffic speed reduction, as well as they offer a variety of solutions for typical street layouts. The guidelines also advice on how to integrate the concerns of children and adolescents into traffic planning and general advice on planning, for example the reduction of motor- vehicle speed, the reduction of space requirements of stationary traffic within the street environment, and the connection of playing facilities.
Country TopicsGuidelines for Cycling Facilities (ERA 2010)
The Guidelines for Cycling Facilities (ERA 2010) form the basis for the planning, design and operation of bicycle traffic facilities. They apply to new construction and major changes to roads and their use is recommended for existing roads. The ERA 2010 deal with the following topics: cycle traffic concept, design principles, cycle traffic routing on main inner-city roads, cycle traffic routing at junctions, crossing facilities, cycle traffic in access roads, one-way streets with bicycle traffic in the opposite direction, cycle traffic in areas of pedestrian traffic, cycle traffic on country roads, independently guided cycle paths, construction and operation of cycle traffic systems and effect control and quality assurance.
Country TopicsGerman Unity Cycle Route
The German Unity Cycle Route is a long-distance cycle route which offers a touristic experience using the bicycle. It runs mostly on an already existing network of long-distance bike routes and weaves through seven federal states altogether. It is signposted and open to cyclist from end-to-end. On the route, there are reliable signs which make it easy for cyclist to find their way, high-quality cycle tracks, and service points for cyclist. The route also offers free high-speed internet, charging facilities as well as digital information on the route and the region. This way, the route promotes cycling to all ages and abilities.
Country TopicsNational cycling plan 3.0
Implement transport infrastructure and opportunities that support active societies
Road safety actions including safety of pedestrians, cyclists etc
Road Traffic Regulations (Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung)
The Road Traffic Regulations (Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung, StVO) sets out general rules related to road safety for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. Rules among others include the use of use of lanes, crossings, lighting and traffic speeds.
Country TopicsGuidelines for the construction of city streets (RASt 06)
The Guidelines for the construction of city streets (RASt 06) recommend a new methodological approach to structural design. This requires renewed effort on the part of the planners in working towards the integration and balance of all modes. The guidelines are developed within the Research Association for Roads and Transport (FGSV) and they focus on the special usage requirements of inner-city streets. The safe and compatible handling of motor vehicle traffic, local public transport, cyclists and pedestrians requires a holistic view of the road space. The guideline outlines two approaches to design, on the one hand recommended solutions for typical design situations are included, and on the other hand a method for individual road space design is described.
Country TopicsImplement transport infrastructure and opportunities that support active societies
Mass communication campaigns to increase awareness about road safety
I Wear a Helmet (Ich Trag’ Helm)
The I wear a helmet (Ich Tag’ Helm) is a campaign of the Deutsche Verkehrsmacht and funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development. It encourages cyclists to wear a helmet in order to further increase the wearing rate. On the campaign’s website, people can find information on the types of helmets, how to use them, as well as information on how to stay safe on the bicycle.
Country TopicsGet off the Gas (Runter vom Gas)
The Get off the Gas (The Runter vom Gas) is a road safety campaign. Under the motto “Every victim of a traffic accident is one too many”, the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) and the German Road Safety Council (DVR) are campaigning for more safety on German roads. The basic idea: with an emotional and positive address, Get off the Gas should sensitize all road users to the dangers of road traffic. The campaign wants to create a social climate that encourages people to put themselves in the shoes of other road users and to show consideration and, in this sense, to influence drivers of cars, trucks, motorcycles and cyclists. Get off the Gas started in 2008 and since 2011, the campaign has not only addressed inappropriate speed, but also many relevant causes and risks of accidents such as drink-driving, distraction, dangerous overtaking and insufficient safety distance. The campaign also advocates buckling up in motor vehicles and wearing bicycle helmets.
Country TopicsImplement transport infrastructure and opportunities that support active societies
Mass communication campaigns to promote active transport
European Mobility Week – Germany
Since 2002, the European Mobility Week (EMW) has sought to improve public health and quality of life through promoting clean mobility and sustainable urban transport. The campaign gives people the chance to explore the role of city streets and to experiment with practical solutions to tackle urban challenges, such as air pollution. The highlight of the EMW is the Car Free Day held on 22 September under the slogan "In town without my car". Each EMW has an overarching theme (e.g. accessibility, streets for people, alternative mobility). Germany participates in the campaign since 2002.
Country TopicsImplement transport infrastructure and opportunities that support active societies
Policies promoting active transport
Guidelines for Integrated Network Design (RIN)
The Guidelines for Integrated Network Design (RIN) formulate standards for all transport modes and for all spatial levels reaching from the macro level of connecting agglomerations to the micro level of securing a local supply of infrastructure for pedestrian, bicycle, public and car transport. The RIN mainly focus on passenger transport. This includes car, public transport (railways, underground rail, tram and bus), bicycle and pedestrian transport modes as well as the design of linkage points for intermodal transport (Park+Ride, Rail+Fly and Bike+Ride). The RIN orientate these standards directly towards the system of central locations identified as suitable bases for the spatial components of a basic accessibility. Additionally, the RIN are an attempt to integrate scientific knowledge of transport planning into a highly binding planning guideline.
Country TopicsImplement transport infrastructure and opportunities that support active societies
Policies promoting active transport to and from school
School travel maps
A school travel map (Schulwegplan) is a map that shows a school’s catchment area from a child’s perspective with the aim of helping kids choose the safest way to get to school. The map points out specific hazards (e.g. large intersections with no bike lane, intersections or areas where the rules for right-of-way vary etc.) and discusses dangers that can be unclear at first for adults, such as the visibility of pupils between parked cars. The authority for regulating school travel maps varies by state. School travel maps are obligatory in Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia. They are recommended in Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Saxony. This guide provides all the important information and useful sources to help create a good school route plan. The route to school is not mandatory in most federal states. Wherever directions to school are recommended or binding are to be drawn up, there are generally no specific indications of the type of implementation. This guide for schools, municipalities, police and parents is intended to provide support on the road safety work on the way to school.
Country TopicsImplement transport infrastructure and opportunities that support active societies
Policies promoting active transport to and from work
Annual Tax Act 2018
In order to encourage people using the bicycles as mean of transport, the regulations under the Annual Tax Act 2018 stipulate that from 1 January 2019, employees benefit from a complete tax exemption for the benefit-in-kind derived from the lease of an official cycle/pedelec by the employer. Furthermore, the usage of public transport is promoted with a tax-exemption for cases in which companies provide their employees with free public transport tickets or reimburse their employees for the ticket (so called “Jobtickets”).
Country TopicsNormalise and increase physical activity through public communication that motivates and builds behaviour change skills
Mass communication campaigns including social marketing to increase awareness and knowledge about benefits of physical activity through the life course
Make Children Strong
The Make Children Strong (Kinder stark Machen) is the hands-on initiative for early addiction prevention from the age of four. Whether at home, a sports club, school or kindergarten, adults who are responsible for children and adolescents can strengthen and support children in their development. The Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) initiated the campaign in 1991 aiming to ensure children are robust for adult life by — among other things — investing in physical activity from a young age.
Country TopicsEat better. Move more. VERY EASY (Besser essen. Mehr bewegen. KINDERLEICHT)
The campaign Eat better. Move more. VERY EASY (Besser essen. Mehr bewegen. KINDERLEICHT) of the Federal Ministry for Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture and the Federal Ministry of Health aims to effectively combat overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. The site of the campaign offers information on the topics of nutrition and exercise with corresponding links to nationwide and regional measures and programmes.
Country TopicsIN FORM - Germany's initiative for healthy eating and more exercise
Normalise and increase physical activity through public communication that motivates and builds behaviour change skills
Mass communication campaigns including social marketing to change social norms about the accessibility and need for physical activity
In a Good Mood (Gut Drauf) campaign
The In a Good Mood (Gut Drauf) is a campaign of the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) to promote a healthy lifestyle for girls and boys aged 5 to 18 years. The campaign is aimed at institutions and specialists who work pedagogically with children and adolescents in various fields. The aim is to anchor health-related offers and structures in the living environment of children and young people in a sustainable manner. The campaign teaches young people that it is possible to live a healthy life in an uncomplicated and entertaining way. It is about the interplay of balanced nutrition, sufficient exercise and a positive way of dealing with stress. The campaign addresses schools, youth work and professional qualification institutions, sports clubs and youth tour operators. In the form of training, advice and certification, they learn to encourage young people to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Country TopicsNormalise and increase physical activity through public communication that motivates and builds behaviour change skills
Develop and communicate physical activity guidelines
National Recommendations for Physical Activity and Physical Activity Promotion
Germany has developed national recommendations on physical activity for children and youth, adults and older adults. These recommendations are in line with WHO’s Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health (2010). Children are recommended to engage in moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) for at least one hour per day. Adults are recommended to engage in at least 2.5 hours per week of moderate-intensity physical activity. Recommended physical activity levels for older adults are the same as for those for adults in general, but in addition, strength and balance exercises are recommended in order to reduce risk of falls. The National Recommendations for Physical Activity and Physical Activity Promotion for the Federal Republic of Germany apply to children and adolescents, adults, older persons, adults with chronic diseases as well as - with regards to physical activity promotion - the general population.
Country TopicsGive physical activity training, assessment and counselling in healthcare settings
Primary care (assessment, counselling and physical activity prescriptions)
The prevention act
The prevention act is a law which aims to strengthen health promotion and prevention in all age groups children, adolescents, and the elderly. Doctors have been given the opportunity to issue prevention recommendations and contribute to maintaining and improving the health of their patients. More than 500 million euros werebe made available for health-promoting services by the health and long-term care insurance funds. The focus is on health promotion is in living environments such as day-care centres, schools, municipalities, companies, and care facilities.
Country TopicsWhat are the policy databases?
Developed as part of the European Union CO-CREATE project, Confronting obesity: co-creating policy with youth, the databases contain information about nutrition and physical activity policy that governments around the world have implemented to encourage people to eat healthily and move more.
WCRF International’s NOURISHING database has been redesigned as part of the CO-CREATE project. The MOVING database of physical policy actions has been developed to complement the NOURISHING database and contains information about policies designed to promote physical activity. The policy actions are categorised and organised around our NOURISHING and MOVING policy frameworks.
> What is the MOVING database? Download our 1-page explainer
> What is the NOURISHING database? Download our 1-page explainer
What data do we collect?
The NOURISHING and MOVING databases collect policy actions from around the world which are implemented on a national level, and which are currently in effect. All policy actions listed on the database have been verified by an in-country government expert. In select cases local policies have also been included as best practice examples.
To source the policy actions, we use a specific search criteria and verification process.
As the CO-CREATE project focuses on Europe, we are also conducting an in-depth, systematic search across 27 European countries – known as the Comprehensive European Scan. This scan is currently ongoing and the database will be updated on a rolling basis as policy actions are identified and verified. It is anticipated that more countries will be scanned systematically in the future.
To find out more about the definitions we use, please visit our glossary.
Click here for tips on using the databases.
The following video explains how to use the databases, including the structure, search functionality and what information we collect: