Except the provision in question was copy pasted from an old law where it existed for decades without any change.

I find the tendency on Lemmy to see a conspiracy in every law concerning.

Criticise the law for what it does (there is enough here for it) and be wary of potential abuse. But sometimes warm water is just warm water.

https://www.dw.com/en/german-men-need-military-permit-for-extended-stays-abroad/a-76662677

1. The government is obliged to grant your request to leave the country unless there actually is a war.
2. There is no penalty if you leave the country without government approval.

While the law requires men to request the permit, the [army] spokesperson clarified, it also obliges the military career center to issue it, if "no specific military service is expected during the period in question.”

"Since military service under current law is based exclusively on voluntary participation, such permissions must generally be granted,” the official added. (…)

When asked, the ministry spokesperson pointed out that "the regulation was already in place during the Cold War and had no practical relevance; in particular, there are no penalties for violating it.”