Searching for the best law schools across Europe can be challenging for many students. There are many requirements to consider, not to mention possible language barriers. Fortunately, many universities in Europe now offer internationally oriented legal education, and Germany has several strong options in the field of law. In Germany, many law programs leading to the state examination are taught in German, while a number of master’s and continuing education programs in European, international, and comparative law are available in English. Students who want to compare courses in Germany can also use our database to explore different degree options before narrowing down their law school choices.
Law schools in Germany are known for rigorous academic training, especially for students pursuing the traditional route toward regulated legal professions. The German education system combines traditional and modern approaches to learning. A master’s degree in law-related fields can also prepare graduates for careers in international organizations, law firms, companies, public institutions, and further academic study.
There are many reputable law schools in the country. Here are some of the leading law schools in Germany to consider.
Top Law Schools in Germany
1. Humboldt University of Berlin
Humboldt University of Berlin (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin) is a respected research university with more than 170 degree programs. Its Faculty of Law offers German-taught legal education as well as English-taught postgraduate options, including the International Dispute Resolution LL.M. and the Humboldt Master of Laws.
The Faculty of Law is a strong choice for students interested in German, European, and international legal studies. Its programs are not limited to German law: postgraduate offerings include internationally focused LL.M. programs, and the faculty supports international exchange and academic cooperation.
For students with family responsibilities, Humboldt University offers family-friendly support, including advice, family rooms, childcare-related services, and information for students studying with children.
2. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
With a long history under its name, the Faculty of Law of LMU Munich is one of Germany’s major law faculties. The faculty has more than 5,000 students and nearly 500 employees, and it emphasizes high-quality teaching and research.
Students in the traditional law program work toward the first state examination and receive broad legal training before specializing further. This route is demanding, but it is designed to provide a strong foundation for legal careers and further academic development.
Many regular law courses at LMU are taught in German. However, LMU also offers English-taught law options, including the LL.M. in European and International Economic Law and summer programs for international students and law professionals. These include the Munich University Summer Training in German and European Law (MUST) and the Munich Advanced Course in International Law (MACIL).
3. Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg
Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University is one of Germany’s oldest and most established universities. Instruction began in theology, jurisprudence, and philosophy, making law one of the university’s original academic areas.
The Faculty of Law focuses on civil law, criminal law, public law, and related foundational subjects such as legal history, legal philosophy, legal methodology, political science, sociology of law, and comparative law. The university also offers a Legum Magister (LL.M.) program for law graduates from outside Germany. This LL.M. is a two-semester, full-time program taught in German.
Heidelberg also offers course elements that are especially relevant to legal practice, including working groups, key qualification courses, and moot courts. These opportunities help students develop legal reasoning, argumentation, and practical skills alongside their academic training.
4. University of Hamburg
The University of Hamburg is a strong option for students interested in German, European, and international law. Its Faculty of Law offers the traditional law degree program, postgraduate law programs, and doctoral study opportunities. For international law graduates, the faculty offers LL.M. options such as the English-taught Master of European and International Law (MEIL) and the German-taught Master of Laws in German Law.
The faculty operates a central law library, and students can access a wide range of legal literature, documentation, and research resources. These resources support both legal study and academic research.
In 2008, the University of Hamburg became part of the China-EU School of Law initiative, established by the European Union and the People’s Republic of China. The China-EU School of Law is centered in Beijing and supports academic programs, research projects, and professional training that promote Sino-European legal dialogue.
5. Saarland University – Europa-Institut
The Saarland University’s Europa-Institut, founded in 1951, is one of Europe’s long-established institutions dedicated to European integration and European and international law. Located near the borders of France and Luxembourg, the Europa-Institut offers a one-year LL.M. program in European and International Law.
The program is practice-oriented and internationally focused. It is taught primarily in English, with some courses available in German. Students complete the basic module in European Integration and can choose specialization modules such as European Economic Law; International Economic Law – Trade, Investment, and International Dispute Settlement; and European and International Protection of Human Rights.
The Europa-Institut also emphasizes international legal education through its academic and professional faculty, international student body, excursions to European and international institutions, and alumni network. Its structure helps graduates prepare for legal and policy-related careers in European and international settings.
What Current Students / Alumni of Saarland University – Europa-Institut Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Law Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Sevinch
Academic exchange semester in International Law | During her exchange semester, she studied international trade law, investment law, and European law. Her classes at the Europa-Institut were conducted in English. | Looking back on her exchange, she wished she had completed more internships to develop practical legal skills alongside her theoretical knowledge. |
6. Christian Albrechts University of Kiel
Christian Albrechts University of Kiel, officially Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, provides legal education in Kiel, Germany. Its Faculty of Law includes the Walther Schücking Institute for International Law, which supports teaching and research in public international law. The faculty offers Germany’s main professional law study pathway alongside postgraduate and doctoral qualifications.
The principal law program has a standard duration of ten semesters and leads to the First Examination rather than a bachelor’s degree. It combines a university specialization examination with a state compulsory-subject examination. Students study civil law, criminal law, public law, and legal foundations before pursuing specialization areas such as business law, international and European law, or health law. Teaching is predominantly in German.
For graduates with suitable foreign qualifications, Kiel offers a two-semester LL.M. pathway with options in German law, business law, legal foundations, and international and European law. The LL.M. in International and European Law can be completed entirely in English. The faculty also awards a doctorate in law, requiring an independently researched dissertation and an oral examination.
What Current Students / Alumni of Christian Albrechts University of Kiel Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Law Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Ebrima Sowe
LL.M. in International Law | He particularly valued weekly colloquia featuring case presentations on International Court of Justice jurisprudence, which helped him understand how the international legal system operates. His LL.M. was taught entirely in English. | During COVID-19 disruptions, the university allowed remote study for part of his program, helping him continue his legal education. |
7. Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences offers a specialized legal and business pathway at its Kleve campus in Germany. Its International Taxation and Law program belongs to the Faculty of Society and Economics and connects tax legislation with accounting, economics, and business administration. Its academic focus is therefore narrower than a general legal education program.
The English-taught Bachelor of Arts in International Taxation and Law has a standard duration of seven semesters. Students study German and international tax law, corporate taxation, value-added tax, accounting, transfer pricing, and double taxation agreements. The program incorporates practical projects, application-based case studies, and engagement with tax professionals. These features support the study of cross-border tax problems in commercial and advisory settings.
The university’s current degree directory does not list a master’s degree specifically in law. It lists an M.Sc. in Economics and Finance, but that qualification should be distinguished from an LL.M. A law-specific doctorate was not verified. This institution is most relevant to applicants seeking an undergraduate specialization in taxation and its legal framework.
What Current Students / Alumni of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Law Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Sayed Ahmad Fahim Masoumi
Master’s in Sustainable Development Management
Legal coursework within an interdisciplinary degree | He studied International Law & Compliance within his sustainable development program and reported gaining skills relevant to his work with NGOs and international stakeholders. | — |
Hopefully, this article will encourage you to pursue a law degree in Germany. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
