Entry in the certificate of good conduct: clearance, deadlines and what is visible

Not every conviction appears in the certificate of good conduct, and entries are cleared after fixed deadlines. Minor penalties for first-time offenders often do not show up at all. Anyone who has an entry should know the clearance deadlines, they are important for job applications and a fresh start.

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Minor convictions (e.g. low fines for first-time offenders) are often not included in the simple certificate of good conduct. Entries are cleared after the deadlines of the Federal Central Criminal Register Act (§§ 34, 46 BZRG).

After the clearance deadline expires, the conviction is considered cleared and may generally no longer be held against you. You can apply for your certificate of good conduct yourself and thus check what is entered.

What you should do now

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1. Apply for the certificate of good conduct
Apply for your certificate of good conduct (citizens' office/online) and check whether and what is entered.
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2. Classify the entry
Clarify whether it appears in the simple or only in the extended certificate of good conduct and which clearance deadline applies.
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3. Observe the deadlines
Note the clearance deadline; after it expires, the conviction is considered cleared.
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4. React to mistakes
If an entry is incorrect or still present without justification, turn to the Federal Office of Justice.

How to spot the scam

You assume every conviction appears in the certificate of good conduct (often not the case).
An entry is still visible despite an expired clearance deadline.
You present an extended certificate of good conduct where a simple one would have sufficed.

Frequently asked questions

Does every conviction appear in the certificate of good conduct?

No. Minor penalties, such as low fines for first-time offenders, are frequently not included in the simple certificate of good conduct. More serious or multiple convictions, however, appear. In the extended certificate of good conduct, partly stricter standards apply.

When is an entry deleted?

After the clearance deadlines of the Federal Central Criminal Register Act (§§ 34, 46 BZRG), which depend on the type and amount of the penalty. After they expire, the conviction is considered cleared and may generally no longer be held against you.

How do I see what is entered?

By applying for your own certificate of good conduct at the citizens' office or online. This way you learn whether and what is entered. With an incorrect entry or one still present despite the deadline expiring, you can turn to the Federal Office of Justice.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.