What is “Vaterschaftsanerkennung”?
“Vaterschaftsanerkennung” is the official declaration by the biological father that he is the legal parent of the child. In Germany, if the parents are not married, the father must acknowledge paternity for the child to have a legal connection to him.
This declaration must be officially certified (beurkundet) at a recognized authority such as the Jugendamt (Youth Welfare Office), Standesamt (Registry Office), or a notary.
Why is it important?
Without this declaration:
- The child legally has no father (only the mother is recognized).
- The father has no parental rights or obligations.
- The child may not automatically receive the father’s surname or nationality.
After successful recognition, the father can:
- Share custody (if both parents agree)
- Be listed on the birth certificate
- Provide child support
- Pass on his nationality (in some cases)
Where to do it in Berlin?
You can schedule an appointment for the acknowledgement of paternity at:
1. Jugendamt (Youth Welfare Office) – Beistandschaft
The most common and free option. Find your local Jugendamt via the Berlin service portal:
service.berlin.de
2. Standesamt (Registry Office)
If the child has not yet been born, you can also submit the declaration during birth registration.
3. Notary or Family Court
This is a paid alternative, usually used when parents are abroad or have complex legal situations.
Required Documents
- Valid passports or national IDs of both parents
- Birth certificate of the child (if already born)
- Maternity certificate (Mutterschaftsbescheinigung) if the child is not yet born
- Residence permit or registration (Anmeldung) in Berlin
- If applicable: marriage certificates, divorce papers, or custody agreements
- Certified translation of foreign documents (birth certificates, etc.) into German by a sworn translator
🔎 Tip: If your documents are in Ukrainian, English, or other languages, make sure to get an officially certified translation (beglaubigte Übersetzung) accepted by Berlin authorities.
When should you do it?
- Ideally before the child is born, especially for foreign nationals or mixed-status couples.
- The process can be done after the birth, but must be completed before custody or passport applications.
Is there a cost?
- At the Jugendamt: Free of charge
- At the Standesamt: Usually free, but may vary
- At a notary: Around 30–60 €
- For translations: 35–85 € per page, depending on the type
Joint Custody (Sorgerechtserklärung)
If the parents also want to share legal custody, they need to submit an additional declaration (Sorgerechtserklärung) – which can be made at the Jugendamt at the same time.
How to book an appointment?
You can book your appointment for Vaterschaftsanerkennung online via the Berlin Service Portal:
Choose the service “Vaterschaftsanerkennung beurkunden” under the Jugendamt section and select your district.
✉️ Do I need to translate my documents?
Yes. If your documents (e.g. birth certificate) are not in German, the Berlin authorities require:
- A certified translation (beglaubigte Übersetzung) from a sworn translator (vereidigter Übersetzer)
- Both PDF and original versions may be required
You can request certified translations from language agencies or sworn translators in Berlin.
Summary: Step-by-step
- Gather all required documents
- Get certified translations if necessary
- Book an appointment at the Jugendamt or Standesamt
- Attend the appointment with both parents
- Sign the acknowledgement form in person
- (Optional) Sign a joint custody declaration
- Receive the certified documents for official use
Need a certified translation?
If you need a certified German translation of your birth certificate, we can deliver:
- A PDF within 24–48h for €35
- Or a sworn translation with postal delivery for €85
Just send us your scan by email, and we’ll get started.
Final tip:
Doing the acknowledgement of paternity early simplifies passport applications, visa processes, and parental rights. Berlin offices can be busy, so book your appointment well in advance – especially if your child is due soon.