BACKGROUND: McDonald criteria (MC) are a globally accepted standard for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Misdiagnosis of MS is a common problem that has significant clinical consequences for patients. Misapplication of MC is a potential source of MS misdiagnosis. Recent research has identified elements of the criteria that are frequently misunderstood by neurologists in the US. AIM: To assess application of MC by German neurologists. METHODS: A previously developed survey instrument was modified and distributed to neurology residents and specialists (general neurology, not MS-subspecialists). RESULTS: 68 neurologists (42 neurology residents (NR) and 26 neurology specialists (NS) completed the survey. We found frequent misapplication of MC. Symptoms atypical for MS were mistaken as typical by 31 % of participants. Understanding of MRI dissemination in space criteria was poor. Periventricular and juxtacortical lesions were incorrectly identified by 46 % and 55 %, respectively. Most participants accepted purely anamnestic reports of previous neurological symptoms without objective clinical evidence as sufficient to prove dissemination in time. CONCLUSIONS: Training and continuing education on MS diagnostic criteria needs to be improved, especially concurrent with dissemination of future iterations of MC.