All information and services at a glance
English Information
About the FSK
The FSK (Self-regulatory Body of the German Film Industry) is an institution of the Spitzenorganisation der Filmwirtschaft e.V. (SPIO), the umbrella organization representing numerous associations within the German film industry. At the core of our work is the age classification of audiovisual content across all distribution channels—ranging from cinema and streaming platforms to DVDs and Blu-rays—covering feature films, documentaries, series, trailers, commercials and many more.
As FSK.online, we are legally recognized and provide a comprehensive range of information and services to support youth protection on the internet.
Over the course of its history, the FSK has evolved beyond its core function as a classification body. We take on media policy and educational responsibilities, actively promoting the participation of children and adolescents, advancing media literacy, and supporting the development of digital competency. We contribute to public discourse, participate in committees and commissions, and play a meaningful role in shaping youth media protection policy through our publications and initiatives.
FSK Classification Procedures
Classifiers
Over 180 classifiers from across Germany participate in the FSK’s classification procedures. They come from a wide range of social sectors and professional backgrounds and serve on a voluntary basis. Among them are journalists, teachers, psychologists, media scholars, film historians, students, social workers, judges, and public prosecutors. The classifiers act independently and are not bound by instructions.
FSK Classification Committee
The number of classifiers in a committee varies between three and nine members, depending on the content being reviewed and the status of the initial classification. Trailers, series episodes, and feature films are typically reviewed by committees of three or five members. The Representatives of the Highest State Youth Authorities chair the classification committees.
If an applicant objects to a classification result, the content is classified by a larger, newly composed committee. These follow-up committees, consisting of seven to nine members, are known as Appeal Boards.
FSK Classification Tool
The FSK Classification Tool was introduced as a regular part of the classification process in 2021. It is an questioannaire based system in compliance with the guidelines of the Youth Protection Act and the established practices of the FSK classification committees.
The tool can be used both by trained FSK classifiers and company employees to generate a qualified classification result which has to be approved by one of the State Representatives. The Classification Tool takes into account all relevant aspects of a filmic content to ensure an age-appropriate classification. It is now the most used procedure for age ratings.
Age Ratings and content advices
Age Ratings
The five age ratings form the foundation of youth protection. They serve as a guide to indicate which films are suitable for which age groups and promote a positive viewing experience for the whole family. With their help, children, adolescents, and adults can quickly and easily assess from what age a film or series can be watched without causing negative effects. Negative effects may include lasting fear, emotional stress, or the endorsement of harmful behavior patterns such as the use of violence or discrimination against individuals.
FSK age ratings are not educational recommendations, but rather take into account what is considered to be suited to impair the development of children or adolescents. After a film, trailer, commercial, or series episode has been viewed in its entirety, an independent review process in form of FSK Committee or Classification Tool evaluates the potential risks and assigns the appropriate age rating. Whether at cinema admission checks, streaming platform settings, TV broadcasting times, or DVD sales, all protection measures are based on this system.
 |
FSK 0: Suitable for all ages |
 |
FSK 6: Suitable for age 6 and up |
 |
FSK 12: Suitable for age 12 and up |
 |
FSK 16: Suitable for age 16 and up |
 |
FSK 18: Permitted for age 18 and up |
Content Advices
Since 2023, additional descriptors are published alongside the FSK age ratings for films and series. These supplementary content advices provide families with more guidance when selecting media content. They allow children, adolescents, and parents to see at a glance the reasons behind a film’s FSK age rating. These content advices are displayed alongside the FSK age ratings across various distribution channels—at cinemas, on the back of DVDs and Blu-rays, and in online platforms.
For each feature or documentary film or series episode rated 6, 12, 16 or 18, one to three key reasons for the FSK rating are published. Examples include:
- FSK 6: Threat, emotionally intense scenes
- FSK 12: Violence, language
- FSK 16: Drug use, discrimination, injury
- FSK 18: Sexualized violence
Even more detailed information in the form of short reports has been published for all theatrical films since 2010 and can be easily found on our homepage or using our Ratings Database.
The regulations governing the size and positioning of FSK labels on image storage media and their packaging are regulated by law. Detailed instructions on FSK labels and descriptors on image storage media and their packaging formats are available here free.
FSK Services
Request FSK Age Ratings
The FSK ratings represent a high level of legal certainty, orientation and reliability.
Through the FSK Pro Web portal, customers have access to all FSK services with real-time processing status updates.
After registering, you can submit applications for your films, series, trailers, commercials, documentaries, value added material and all other filmic content conveniently and completely digitally.
Contact Details
FSK – Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle der Filmwirtschaft GmbH
Murnaustraße 6
65189 Wiesbaden
Germany
Service Hotline: +49 611 77891-0
service@fsk.de