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Payment Order / Debt Collection (Mahnbescheid) — Expat Guide Germany (2026)

Quick Answer

What it is:: Payment Order / Debt Collection — a legal procedure in Germany.
Deadline:: 14 days
Steps:: 5 steps
Cost:: Free
Documents:: 4 required
Legal basis:: ZPO §688-703d

Miss the deadline? Creditor can request Vollstreckungsbescheid (enforcement order) allowing wage garnishment and asset seizure

Important Deadlines

14d

File Widerspruch within 2 weeks of receiving Mahnbescheid

Creditor can request Vollstreckungsbescheid (enforcement order) allowing wage garnishment and asset seizure

Required Documents

✓Original Mahnbescheid document
✓Widerspruch form (included with the Mahnbescheid)
✓Proof of posting (Einschreiben receipt)
✓Any contracts or correspondence related to the claim

Step-by-Step Guide

Receive the Mahnbescheid (payment order) from the court. Check if the claim is legitimate.

Pro tip: A Mahnbescheid is NOT a court judgment — it's the creditor's CLAIM. The court does not verify if the claim is valid.

If you disagree with the claim, file a Widerspruch (objection) within 2 weeks.

Pro tip: The objection form is included with the Mahnbescheid. You only need to check a box and sign — no justification needed at this stage.

Send the Widerspruch to the Mahngericht (court) listed on the document.

Pro tip: Send by registered mail (Einschreiben) to have proof of timely filing.

If you object, the case converts to a regular court proceeding. The creditor must prove their claim.

Pro tip: If you can't afford a lawyer, apply for Beratungshilfe (legal aid, EUR 15) at the Amtsgericht.

If you do NOT object, the creditor can request a Vollstreckungsbescheid (enforcement order) which allows wage garnishment.

Fees

Filing a WiderspruchFree

Beratungshilfe (legal aid)EUR 15

Legal Basis

ZPO §688-703d

Also Known As

This procedure is commonly searched under these names:

Mahnbescheidpayment orderdebt collectionWiderspruchobjectionVollstreckungsbescheidenforcement ordercourt orderMahngerichtdebt letterInkassocollection agencyBeratungshilfelegal aidMahnverfahren

Official Resources

https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/zpo/__694.html

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More Guides for 🇩🇪 Germany

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