Youth hostels belonging to the German Youth Hostel Association (hereinafter referred to as “Youth Hostels”) are establishments of the regional associations of the German Youth Hostel Association (Deutsches Jugendherbergswerk, hereinafter referred to as “DJH”) or establishments of other carriers associated with the DJH. They are primarily an offer aimed at young people and families.

1. Membership     
In order to be offered accommodation in a Youth Hostel, you have to be a member of the DJH or of another association of the International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF). Guests must provide proof of such membership before being given accommodation at the Youth Hostel. Children and youth groups must be accompanied by at least one person responsible for their supervision.

2. Membership of Persons
2.1     DJH membership cards can be obtained by all persons with a permanent residence in the Federal Republic of Germany at all DJH membership card issuing offices (including at Youth Hostels and offices of the DJH Regional Associations).

2.2.    Individual guests up to the age of 26 are given the Junior Card.
Individual guests over the age of 26 and families can obtain the “Family / 27 plus" (FAM/27+) membership card.

Unmarried couples are treated the same as families, provided they live in the same household.

Adult children up to the age of 26 can retain the family membership of their parents as long as they are single and do not require their own family membership.

A separate membership card can be issued to each member of the family. Adult children have to have their own membership cards.

2.3     Foreign guests who are not members of an IYHF-affiliated association can obtain the “International Guest Card” or a “Welcome Stamp” for every night directly at the Youth Hostel.

 

3.1     Schools, youth groups, clubs, associations, foundations, firms, corporations, and other organizations acquire corporate membership and receive group membership cards in return. Accommodation is subject to the provisions of the bylaws of the German Youth Hostel Association – Central Association for Youth Hiking and Youth Hostels and the DJH Regional Associations.

3.2     Using the group membership card, the group leader can stay overnight in a Youth Hostel with a group. The group membership card does not replace individual membership. The card is not transferable to other institutions or persons.

3.3     A group consists of at least four members including the group leader(s). Group leaders must be at least 16 years of age.

3.4     Group membership cards are not issued to travel agencies or other businesses that organize trips on a commercial basis. Where reservations are made through an agent, the travelling group requires its own membership.

4. Stay
4.1     Accommodation of guests and their stay at the Youth Hostel is governed by the terms and conditions of use of the relevant Youth Hostel.

4.2     The terms and conditions of use which are prepared by the carrier of the relevant Youth Hostel are materially consistent with the Model Terms and Conditions issued by the German Youth Hostel Association – Central Association for Youth Hiking and Youth Hostels. In some cases, the terms and conditions of use of the carrier of the relevant Youth Hostel may differ from the Model Terms and Conditions for factual reasons.

4.3     In order to keep the Model Terms and Conditions updated, the carriers of the Youth Hostels shall immediately notify the German Youth Hostel Association – Central Association for Youth Hiking and Youth Hostels of any changes in their current terms and conditions of use and of any objections by guests against the legality of such terms and conditions.