Understanding a German official letter
Official German (Amtsdeutsch) often sounds more complicated than the matter really is. Once you know how a Bescheid is built and what the key terms mean, you can find the decisive details in a few minutes.
First things first
Almost every Bescheid comes down to three things: the decision (what is being settled), the amount or the claim, and the deadline (in the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung).
How a Bescheid is built
- Header: the issuing authority, the date and your Aktenzeichen (reference number).
- Subject / Tenor: the actual decision in one or two sentences.
- Reasons (Begründung): why it was decided that way, with the rules relied on.
- Payment part (if any): amount, due date, bank details, often with a payment QR code (GiroCode).
- Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung: which remedy is admissible, which deadline applies and to which office it must be addressed.
The key terms
- Verwaltungsakt – the legally binding, single-case decision of an authority. A Bescheid is the most common form.
- Bekanntgabe – the moment from which the Bescheid takes effect and the deadlines start. For ordinary post usually the fourth day after posting.
- Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung – the paragraph naming the remedy, the deadline and the responsible office. If it is missing, the deadline generally extends to one year.
- Widerspruch / Einspruch – the formal remedy. Against administrative acts: Widerspruch. Against tax assessments: Einspruch.
- Aktenzeichen – the unique reference of your case; quote it in every reply.
- Säumniszuschlag – an additional charge that can arise on late payment.
- Vollstreckung / Mahnung – the steps taken when a due claim is not paid.
What you can do now
- Find and note the deadline – start with the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung.
- Check the claim – make sense of the amount, the reason and the due date.
- Record the responsible office – the authority and the Aktenzeichen for your reply.
- Decide – pay, submit documents, or object (Einspruch/Widerspruch).
This guide gives general information and is not a substitute for legal advice.
For complex cases, contact a lawyer, an advice centre or a tax adviser.
Frequently asked
What is a Bescheid?
An authority's written decision on a specific matter — legally an administrative act
(Verwaltungsakt). It governs e.g. a benefit, a claim or a permit and states the deadlines.
What does Bekanntgabe mean?
The point at which the Bescheid counts as delivered. For ordinary post usually the
fourth day after posting. From then on the deadlines run.
Where do I find the deadline?
In the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung, usually right at the end. It names the remedy, the
deadline and the responsible office.
What is an Aktenzeichen?
The unique reference number of your case at the authority. Always quote it in your
reply so your letter is matched to the right file.
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