Neighborhood Noise: What Does the Law Say in France and Germany?
This article provides general information. Local regulations and the specific circumstances of each situation may affect the analysis.
Music, conversations, construction work, traffic, or noisy neighbors can quickly disrupt sleep and the normal use of a home.
Contrary to popular belief, not all noise is automatically permitted before 10 p.m. Nor is there a single noise threshold that applies to all apartments.
Here is a summary of the regulations governing neighborhood noise in France and Germany, as well as the main avenues of recourse.
What does French law say about noise?
French regulations regarding neighborhood noise are set forth, in particular, in Articles R. 1336-4 et seq. of the Public Health Code.
Noise may be considered a nuisance when it disturbs the peace of the neighborhood or harms health by:
- its duration;
- its repetition;
- its intensity.
These can include music, shouting, barking, construction work, a television, an air conditioner, or even work-related activities.
Noise does not have to be extremely loud to be subject to penalties. Its frequency, the times it occurs, and the context of the residence may be sufficient to constitute an abnormal disturbance to the neighborhood.
What is the noise limit in an apartment?
There is no maximum decibel level that applies to all household noises.
For noise caused by human activity—such as parties, shouting, or barking—the authorities primarily consider its duration, frequency, and intensity. A sound level meter measurement is not always necessary.
For certain professional, athletic, or cultural activities, regulations use the concept of noise emergence: the difference between the usual noise level and the level measured when the disturbance occurs.
The reference values are generally:
- +5 dB(A) during the day, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.;
- +3 dB(A) at night, from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
These values do not represent an absolute limit in an apartment.
Is noise allowed before 10 p.m.?
No. Excessive noise can result in a fine even during the day.
The 10:00 p.m. hour primarily marks the start of the designated nighttime period. It does not give people the right to make as much noise as they want before that time.
Noise Disturbances at Night and During the Day: What Are the Penalties in France?
Noise disturbances at night, like those during the day, constitute athird-class misdemeanor under Article R. 1337-7 of the Public Health Code. The fine can be up to 450 euros. In the event of a repeat offense or an aggravated disturbance, more severe penalties apply.
These provisions apply regardless of the time of day: the legal framework is not limited to nighttime. The difference between nighttime noise and daytime noise lies in the time of day (before or after 10 p.m.) and the criteria for assessment, not in permission to make noise during the day.
What does German law say about noise?
In Germany, noise protection—known as Lärmschutz—is governed by several laws.
The Bundes-Immissionsschutzgesetz, or BImSchG, regulates, among other things, pollution from commercial, industrial, and technical facilities.
The TA Lärm specifies the measurement methods and thresholds applicable to these facilities.
Section 117 ofthe OWiG also addresses unjustified or avoidable noise that is likely to cause significant disturbance to the neighborhood.
However, the federal states, municipalities, and building regulations may establish additional rules.
The Concept of Zimmerlautstärke
German rental law frequently uses the term *Zimmerlautstärke*, which literally means “room volume”: the noise level of an activity (music, television, conversations) should not be clearly audible outside the dwelling, particularly during quiet hours.
This is not a single numerical threshold, but a principle of assessment widely used by courts, building managers, and building regulations.
What are the quiet hours in Germany?
Quiet hours vary by city and building.
The nighttime period generally begins at 10 p.m. and ends at 6 or 7 a.m.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no mandatory nationwide break between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. throughout Germany. However, an afternoon break may be scheduled locally or specified in the building’s rules.
France and Germany: The Main Differences
| Criterion | France | Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Manager | Public Health Code and Civil Code | BImSchG, TA Lärm, OWiG, and local regulations |
| Usual nighttime period | 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. | Usually from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. |
| Single Threshold for Household Noise | No | No (the " Zimmerlautstärke" principle) |
| National Day of Rest at Noon | No | No |
| Frequent Contacts | Property manager, landlord, city hall, police | Owner, manager, Ordnungsamt, police |
In both countries, the assessment depends on the type of noise, its frequency, the times of day, and the available evidence.
What can you do about a noisy neighbor?
It is advisable to proceed gradually:
- Calmly let the person making the noise know.
- Please confirm your request in writing.
- Make a note of the dates, times, and duration of the disturbances.
- Notify the property manager, landlord, or building manager.
- Contact the authorities while the disturbance is ongoing.
In France, the Service-Public.fr page on neighborhood noise details the steps you can take.
In Germany, it is recommended to keep a Lärmprotokoll—that is, a detailed record of noise disturbances. You can then contact the Ordnungsamt. In cases of significant nighttime disturbances, the police may also intervene. Federal laws (BImSchG, OWiG) can be found on the official Gesetze im Internet portal.
How can you reduce noise while running errands?
Legal proceedings are helpful, but they can take several weeks or even several months. While waiting for them to be resolved, there are practical steps you can take to improve your own comfort.
There are a few simple solutions that can help reduce daily discomfort without having to wait for a decision from outside sources.
Start by identifying its main point of entry:
- window;
- glass door;
- shutter box;
- ventilation;
- wall or ceiling.
Also check the seals and air vents. Even a small leak around a window or door can significantly reduce the overall soundproofing effectiveness.
Can a custom- soundproof curtain t help?
When noise enters primarily through a window or glass door, a custom-soundproof curtain e can add a dense fabric barrier in front of the opening.
To be effective, it must cover the affected area generously and limit airflow around the edges.
This solution can help reduce certain types of noise, such as traffic noise, outdoor conversations, and noise from the courtyard or balcony. However, it is not a substitute for a complete acoustic renovation and does not guarantee absolute silence.
Cotton Silence manufactures custom soundproof curtains using a multilayer technology protected by European Patent EP 3 440 965. The maximum measured sound attenuation reaches 28.2 dB at 5,000 Hz in the test configuration (Daidalos Peutz laboratory, BELAC/ISO 17025 accredited, report A-2020LAB-060-I766-44092_E, standard NBN EN ISO 10140-2:2010).
The results achieved in a home depend on the window opening, installation, air leaks, and heat transfer through other walls.
To choose the right solution, see also:
- acoustic curtain or soundproof curtain : What are the differences?
- Five Questions to Ask Before Buying a soundproof curtain
Frequently Asked Questions
At what time can you call the police about noise?
It is not necessary to wait until 10 p.m. The authorities can take action when excessive noise is occurring, even during the day.
What is the difference between noise disturbances at night and noise disturbances during the day?
"Noise disturbances at night" refer to excessive noise occurring during nighttime hours (generally from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.); "noise disturbances during the day" refer to those occurring during the day. Both are subject to penalties: at night, the mere perception of a disturbance may be sufficient, whereas during the day, authorities consider the duration, frequency, and intensity of the noise.
Is there a maximum decibel level allowed in an apartment?
No. There is no absolute threshold that applies to all household noises. Duration, frequency, intensity, and context are all taken into account.
How can you reduce noise without undertaking major renovations?
Start by checking the seals and air vents. If the noise is coming mainly through a window or glass door, a properly sized soundproof curtain can provide additional protection.
Key Points on Neighborhood Noise Laws in France and Germany
In both France and Germany, noise is not permitted before 10 p.m. Whether a noise is considered a nuisance depends on its duration, frequency, intensity, and context.
These measures make it possible to address the source of the problem. During treatment, addressing the most exposed opening can also improve the comfort of the home.
Discover Cotton Silence Custom Soundproof Curtains