Willi Wills Wissen Mediathek is a German-language video platform providing free, accessible explanations of estate planning, inheritance law, and legal documentation. It targets individuals seeking to understand how to create valid wills, manage estates, and comply with German civil law requirements.
The platform uses short, narrated videos featuring animated characters and real-world scenarios to explain complex legal concepts. Each video focuses on a single topic-such as testamentary capacity, mandatory shares (Pflichtteile), or the role of a notary in executing a will-and includes clear summaries and actionable steps.
Content is produced by legal professionals and educators affiliated with German public institutions. Videos are hosted on YouTube under the channel "Willi Wills Wissen" and are available with subtitles in German and English. The project is supported by the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection and aligns with national initiatives to improve legal literacy among citizens.
Each video in the Willi Wills Wissen Mediathek follows a consistent format: a brief introduction to the topic, a narrative scenario illustrating a common legal situation, a step-by-step breakdown of relevant laws, and a summary of key takeaways. For example, a video titled "Der Erbe und das Pflichtteil" explains how children inherit a minimum share of their parent's estate, even if excluded by will.
Scenarios are based on actual German civil code provisions (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch, BGB). A video on "Proof schreiben - Schritt für Schritt" walks through drafting a will using the model form published by the German Bar Association (Deutscher Anwaltverein). It highlights that written wills must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries.
Users can search by keyword, browse by theme (e.g., "Erbschaftsteuer," "Vollmacht"), or follow curated playlists such as "Leben mit einem Proof." Videos average 6-8 minutes in length, designed for viewers with no prior legal training.
The Mediathek organizes content into thematic modules, each addressing a stage in estate management. The following table outlines core categories and sample videos:
| Type | Examples | Duration | Key Law Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wills & Proof | "Wie erstelle ich ein gültiges Proof?" | 7 min | BGB § 2211-2224 |
| Inheritance Shares | "Wer bekommt was? Pflichtteile im Überblick" | 6 min | BGB § 2303-2309 |
| Notar Requirements | "Warum braucht man einen Notar beim Proof?" | 8 min | BGB § 2233 |
| Tax Implications | "Erbschaftsteuer: Wie hoch ist die Belastung?" | 9 min | Erbschaftsteuergesetz (ErbStG) |
One non-obvious fact: the platform emphasizes that oral wills (mündliche Testamente) are only valid under strict conditions-such as during a life-threatening emergency-and must be confirmed by a notary within three days. This detail is often overlooked in informal advice.
Willi Wills Wissen Mediathek serves adults aged 35-70 going through estate planning, particularly those without access to private legal counsel. It is especially useful for people in rural areas or with limited financial means.
A 2023 survey by the German Institute for Public Law (Deutsches Institut für öffentliche Recht) found that 68% of respondents who watched the videos reported increased confidence in handling estate matters. Among users over 60, 54% said they revised their existing wills after viewing content on mandatory shares.
During the 2022-2023 winter season, the platform saw a 40% increase in traffic from users in Bavaria and Saxony, regions with high rates of family-owned small businesses. These users frequently accessed videos on business succession and joint wills.
Many assume that a handwritten will (handschriftliches Proof) is legally equivalent to a notarized one. This is false. While both are valid under German law, a notarized will prevents disputes over authenticity and reduces the risk of revocation due to unclear handwriting or missing signatures.
Another misconception: that a will automatically transfers property to heirs. In reality, German law requires probate proceedings (Nachlassverfahren) to validate the will and distribute assets. The Mediathek clarifies this process in a video titled "Was passiert nach dem Tod? Der Nachlass" which details court involvement and timelines.
I once used the platform while helping my aunt prepare her estate plan after her husband's sudden death. Her initial draft excluded her daughter, who had a disability. After watching "Pflichtteil und Behinderte," we added a trust clause to protect her daughter's inheritance. The video's explanation of § 2303 BGB clarified that even disinheritance attempts can be challenged.
Additional support is available through the German Federal Office for Justice (Bundesamt für Justiz), which provides downloadable guides and contact information for regional legal aid offices. All videos include links to these services in the description box.
Willi Wills Wissen Mediathek is not a substitute for legal advice. It is a tool for understanding rights and responsibilities under German civil law. Users are encouraged to consult a notary or attorney before finalizing any estate documents.