The principle of the right against self-incrimination (nemo tenetur se ipsum accusare) is one of the fundamental legal principles of the German criminal process. Its validity within the German legal system is as self-evident as it is controversial at the beginning of the 21st century. This work aims to contribute to the current debate in criminal law jurisprudence and literature regarding the content and scope of the nemo tenetur principle. Existing uncertainties regarding the interpretation and extent of the principle are highlighted and addressed through contentious case scenarios. At the end of the analysis, abstract criteria for determining the scope of the right against self-incrimination will be formulated.