This depends on your country. For example, in the UK, the Payment Services Regulation 2009 makes no difference between credit and debit cards with respect to a payer's liability. In either case, your liability is limited to 50 pounds (unless you acted grossly negligent, intentionally, or fraudulently), regardless of the type of card used.

This is largely a consequence of article 60 and 61 of EU directive 2007/64/EC [1] (some countries have been lagging behind in implementing the directive, though, so don't expect it to be the law everywhere in Europe).

[1] http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2...

It depends :

I lost my card and someone found it, went to biggest/main branch of the bank in nuremberg and draw 100€ from cash desk ( this all happened in 3 hours and yes, bank personal doesnt asked/checked identity ). When i found out i lost my card, i called the service line and blocked my card ( though confirmation, my card wasn't blocked ).

After two week rush and paperwork i get my money back ( i know i lost my time but it was never about money ).

There is always some chance to get your money back but the real problem is you're loosing your liquid that's why debit cards has daily/weekly limits.

Depends what country you're in and who you bank with. If I lose my debit card I'm not responsible for anything spent with it afterwards.