Overview of the most common options when BOTH spouses are German:

a) If no declaration is made,    

• each spouse retains the family name they had when they entered into the marriage.
• Different declarations may be made at a later date.

b) The spouses may choose a common married name. The choice of married name is irrevocable.  

• The maiden name or the name currently used by the wife or husband may be chosen as the married name.

The spouse whose name does not become the married name may prefix or suffix their birth name or the family

name used when making the declaration. c) If the name to be added consists of several parts, only one part may be added.

d) If the birth name or family name to be chosen as the married name consists of several parts, it cannot be added or prefixed!

Please note:

• The revocation of a prefix or addition of a name is possible at any
  time. However, a new prefix or addition is no longer possible.
  
  
• If one of the spouses is a foreign national, the spouses
  may also choose the home country law of the foreign partner for their name (more information is available when registering the marriage).