The lost and found office: how it works

Who is responsible?

In Germany it is usually the town or municipality, often through the citizens' office or the public order office. Railways, public transport, airports and large venues often have their own offices. Where something was lost therefore decides where to ask first.

You lost something

• Report the loss with a precise description: colour, brand, distinctive features, place and time.
• Ask more than once: items are often handed in a few days later.
• To collect it, bring an ID and proof that the item is yours, such as a precise description or a receipt.

You found something

Anyone who finds an item must generally report it to the person who lost it or to the competent authority (§ 965 BGB). For items worth 10 euros or less, no report to the authority is required. Hand in valuables and identity documents at the lost and found office.

If the item carries a Qevik identifier or QR code, you can notify its holder directly. If you cannot reach them this way, report the find as described above.

Finder's reward

The finder may claim a reward: 5 percent of the value up to 500 euros, 3 percent of the value above that, and 3 percent for animals (§ 971 BGB). A finder who breaches the duty to report, or conceals the find when asked, loses that claim. For items found on the premises of a public authority or on public transport, a special rule applies (§ 978 BGB): the item must be handed in there, a reward is only due from a value of 50 euros and is halved, and the finder does not become the owner.

What happens after six months

If nobody comes forward, the finder becomes the owner six months after reporting the find to the competent authority, unless a person entitled to it has become known to the finder or has registered their right with the authority before then (§ 973 BGB). How long the office itself keeps items, and what happens next, is set by each municipality.