diff --git a/deltachat-ffi/deltachat.h b/deltachat-ffi/deltachat.h
index 62b7a5363..506d40764 100644
--- a/deltachat-ffi/deltachat.h
+++ b/deltachat-ffi/deltachat.h
@@ -1039,8 +1039,12 @@ int             dc_get_msg_cnt               (dc_context_t* context, uint32_t ch
 
 
 /**
- * Get the number of _fresh_ messages in a chat.  Typically used to implement
- * a badge with a number in the chatlist.
+ * Get the number of _fresh_ messages in a chat.
+ * Typically used to implement a badge with a number in the chatlist.
+ *
+ * If the specified chat is muted,
+ * the UI should show the badge counter "less obtrusive",
+ * eg. using "gray" instead of "red" color.
  *
  * @memberof dc_context_t
  * @param context The context object as returned from dc_context_new().
@@ -1067,11 +1071,20 @@ int             dc_get_fresh_msg_cnt         (dc_context_t* context, uint32_t ch
  */
 int             dc_estimate_deletion_cnt    (dc_context_t* context, int from_server, int64_t seconds);
 
+
 /**
  * Returns the message IDs of all _fresh_ messages of any chat.
- * Typically used for implementing notification summaries.
+ * Typically used for implementing notification summaries
+ * or badge counters eg. on the app-icon.
  * The list is already sorted and starts with the most recent fresh message.
  *
+ * Messages belonging to muted chats are not returned,
+ * as they should not be notified
+ * and also a badge counters should not include messages of muted chats.
+ *
+ * To get the number of fresh messages for a single chat, muted or not,
+ * use dc_get_fresh_msg_cnt().
+ *
  * @memberof dc_context_t
  * @param context The context object as returned from dc_context_new().
  * @return Array of message IDs, must be dc_array_unref()'d when no longer used.
@@ -1426,13 +1439,21 @@ int             dc_set_chat_profile_image    (dc_context_t* context, uint32_t ch
 /**
  * Set mute duration of a chat.
  *
- * The UI can then call dc_chat_is_muted() when receiving a new message to decide whether it should trigger an notification.
+ * The UI can then call dc_chat_is_muted() when receiving a new message
+ * to decide whether it should trigger an notification.
+ *
+ * Muted chats should not sound or vibrate
+ * and should not show a visual notification in the system area.
+ * Moreover, muted chats should be excluded from global badge counter
+ * (dc_get_fresh_msgs() skips muted chats therefore)
+ * and the in-app, per-chat badge counter should use a less obtrusive color.
  *
  * Sends out #DC_EVENT_CHAT_MODIFIED.
  *
  * @memberof dc_context_t
  * @param chat_id The chat ID to set the mute duration.
- * @param duration The duration (0 for no mute, -1 for forever mute, everything else is is the relative mute duration from now in seconds)
+ * @param duration The duration (0 for no mute, -1 for forever mute,
+ *      everything else is is the relative mute duration from now in seconds)
  * @param context The context object.
  * @return 1=success, 0=error
  */
diff --git a/src/context.rs b/src/context.rs
index d137785d3..f6dec7c9c 100644
--- a/src/context.rs
+++ b/src/context.rs
@@ -17,11 +17,11 @@ use crate::chat::{get_chat_cnt, ChatId};
 use crate::config::Config;
 use crate::constants::DC_VERSION_STR;
 use crate::contact::Contact;
-use crate::dc_tools::duration_to_str;
+use crate::dc_tools::{duration_to_str, time};
 use crate::events::{Event, EventEmitter, EventType, Events};
 use crate::key::{DcKey, SignedPublicKey};
 use crate::login_param::LoginParam;
-use crate::message::{self, MsgId};
+use crate::message::{self, MessageState, MsgId};
 use crate::scheduler::Scheduler;
 use crate::securejoin::Bob;
 use crate::sql::Sql;
@@ -425,8 +425,13 @@ impl Context {
         res
     }
 
+    /// Get a list of fresh, unmuted messages in any chat but deaddrop.
+    ///
+    /// The list starts with the most recent message
+    /// and is typically used to show notifications.
+    /// Moreover, the number of returned messages
+    /// can be used for a badge counter on the app icon.
     pub async fn get_fresh_msgs(&self) -> Vec<MsgId> {
-        let show_deaddrop: i32 = 0;
         self.sql
             .query_map(
                 concat!(
@@ -438,12 +443,13 @@ impl Context {
                     "        ON m.chat_id=c.id",
                     " WHERE m.state=?",
                     "   AND m.hidden=0",
-                    "   AND m.chat_id>?",
+                    "   AND m.chat_id>9",
                     "   AND ct.blocked=0",
-                    "   AND (c.blocked=0 OR c.blocked=?)",
+                    "   AND c.blocked=0",
+                    "   AND NOT(c.muted_until=-1 OR (c.muted_until>0 AND c.muted_until<?))",
                     " ORDER BY m.timestamp DESC,m.id DESC;"
                 ),
-                paramsv![10, 9, if 0 != show_deaddrop { 2 } else { 0 }],
+                paramsv![MessageState::InFresh, time()],
                 |row| row.get::<_, MsgId>(0),
                 |rows| {
                     let mut ret = Vec::new();