How to order and read an Altlastenkataster extract before buying in Germany

What the Altlastenkataster is and where it comes from

The Altlastenkataster is a local/state register of sites that are suspected of or confirmed to cause harmful soil or groundwater contamination. Its legal basis is the Federal Soil Protection Act (Bundes‑Bodenschutzgesetz, BBodSchG) and the companion Federal Soil Protection and Contaminated Sites Regulation (BBodSchV). The BBodSchG defines the key terms used in the register — for example: "Verdachtsfläche" (suspected site), "Altlastverdächtige Fläche" and "Altlast" (confirmed contaminated site) — and sets out duties for investigation and remediation. The BBodSchG was enacted with effect from 1 March 1999 and remains the primary federal law on this subject. ([gesetze-im-internet.de](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bbodschg/BJNR050210998.html))

Who holds the register and how you request an extract

There is no single national public database you can query for every site. The register entries are kept by the competent 'untere Bodenschutzbehörde' (the local or district environmental/soil‑protection authority) or the corresponding state agency. To get an authoritative extract (Auskunft), apply to the authority responsible for the municipality where the property sits. The federal service catalogue points users to the correct local office and offers an online entry-point to choose region and submit the request. In practice you can (a) ask the seller to provide the official Auskunft, (b) order the Auskunft yourself from the local authority, or (c) start via the federal service portal that routes to the regional service. Fees, required identifiers and formats vary by Land and municipality — check the local authority’s web page for exact steps. ([umweltbundesamt.de](https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/service/uba-fragen/wo-finde-ich-informationen-ob-ein-grundstueck?utm_source=openai))

What typical entries on an extract mean (how to read it)

A formal Auskunft commonly contains: location identifiers (Gemeinde, Gemarkung, Flurstück), a short summary of the site's status, references to reports and dates, the authority responsible, and any legally binding measures or restrictions. Read these items as follows:

- Status: "Verdachtsfläche" means there is a suspicion based on historic use; it is not the same as a confirmed contamination. "Altlast" means contamination has been confirmed such that remediation or restrictions are required. The BBodSchG gives these statutory definitions.

- Investigation history: look for notes that an "orientierende Untersuchung" (screening) or a "Detailuntersuchung" (detailed investigation) was carried out and the dates of sampling and reports. The BBodSchV and UBA guidance describe the investigation phases used across Germany.

- Measures / recordings: entries may cite required "Sanierungsmaßnahmen" (remediation works), ongoing "Überwachung/Nachsorge" or "Nutzungsbeschränkungen" (use limitations). They may also list a responsible party or a case number you can use to request full reports from the authority.

- Documents: an Auskunft often references named investigation or remediation reports — these are the documents you must read (not just the one‑page extract). ([gesetze-im-internet.de](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bbodschg/BJNR050210998.html))

Exact questions to put to the seller (copy before notarisation)

Ask the seller to provide, in writing and with dates: (1) the official Altlastenkataster extract or a confirmation that no record exists for the specific Flurstück; (2) copies of every soil and groundwater investigation report and any laboratory results; (3) any authority decisions, remediation plans, monitoring obligations or use restrictions and the associated case numbers; (4) the name and contact details of the responsible authority and the party currently recorded as liable; (5) evidence of costs already incurred, insurance or escrow arrangements related to remediation; (6) whether any transfer of ownership was made after remediation and, if so, documents demonstrating completion of measures. Remember: under the BBodSchG the owner, the polluter and certain successors can be obliged to carry out or pay for remediation — you need documentary proof of the status and any accepted limitation on liability before you buy. For legal certainty, have an environmental lawyer or your Notar review the documents and, if necessary, ask the authority for a direct statement. ([gesetze-im-internet.de](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bbodschg/BJNR050210998.html))

Next practical steps and who to hire

1) Order the official Auskunft for the exact Flurstück from the local authority (use the federal portal to find the correct office). 2) Obtain and read the full investigation and remediation reports referenced in the Auskunft. 3) Ask a German environmental lawyer or a certified soil‑expert (Sachverständiger) to assess liability and to estimate remediation risk and costs; do not rely solely on the seller’s oral statements. 4) If the Auskunft shows unresolved measures, insist on a written allocation of costs or an escrow arrangement, and ensure the Notar records any agreement in the purchase contract. These are procedural matters; for binding legal or tax consequences consult a specialist lawyer or your tax advisor. ([verwaltung.bund.de](https://verwaltung.bund.de/leistungsverzeichnis/de/leistung/99020001023000))