Photographing in Public Space: What is and isn't Allowed?

Questioner

Am I allowed to photograph people in a public space such as on the street without asking permission? And am I also allowed to post these photos on social media? Can you point me to the law where this is described? Thank you in advance!

Lawyer

You are allowed to photograph whoever and whatever you want. The only exceptions are state secret objects (although you will not get those in front of your lens very quickly) and situations in which you have agreed in advance that you are not allowed to take photos. Think for example of a tour of a factory or a visit to a disco. This permission does not have to be recorded on paper with a signature; a sign on the door is enough. But you are bound by portrait rights, as stated in Article 18 et seq. Copyright. Good luck.