Western Germany

Abstract

In the Federal Republic of Germany it is not recognised, either in theory or in practice, that everybody should have access to administrative records. Access has to be granted only when the applicant’s personal rights or interests are concerned. Otherwise it is left to the administrative authority’s discretion whether to grant access, and the decision is likely to be negative. The right of newspapers to be informed by the administration does not include the right to examine administrative records. Government and administrative authorities are inclined to regard their records as internal documents and prefer to inform the press and the public either orally or in writing.