[Last updated: 1 January 2024, unless otherwise noted]

All communications to investors must be made in German and additionally in the English language for the Prime Standard, but it is not necessary to present the documents for the General Standard and the Scale Segment in both languages. It is normally not possible to limit communication to the English language. One exception is the prospectus for the listing and/or public offering, which may be prepared in the English language by a foreign company, provided that a German translation of the prospectus summary is provided.

Many companies (including German listed companies) put out investor relations materials in both languages. Stockholding threshold notices may also be sent to the company only in the English language, and the company may publish the notices only in English.

The FSE's websites (www.deutsche-boerse.com and www.xetra.com) are fully available in an English version, including documents required in connection with a listing. The website of the German regulator (www.bafin.de) and the European regulator ESMA (https://www.esma.europa.eu/) also contain many useful materials and guidance in the English language.

EU legislation, such as the Prospectus Regulation or the Market Abuse Regulation can be retrieved from the website www.eurlex.europa.eu.

Key differences in requirements for domestic companies

Admission criteria and post-listing obligations for domestic companies are generally the same as those for foreign companies. A key issue for foreign issuers, however, is typically the way the shares are put into central custody for clearing and settlement. Shares in companies from some jurisdictions, such as Dutch NVs, are capable of being put in German central custody. For other companies, this is either not possible or has not been tested. An alternative would be to deposit the shares with a foreign central custodian, with a settlement link into the German custody system, or to use certificates representing shares (ADRs or GDRs).