How long is the deadline on a German official letter?

For most official decisions (Bescheide) the objection period is one month from notification. For a fine notice (Bußgeldbescheid) or a court payment order (Mahnbescheid) it is usually only two weeks. The exact period is stated in the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung — the legal-remedies notice at the end of the letter.

What is the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung?

It is the paragraph, usually at the very end of an official letter, that tells you which remedy applies (Widerspruch or Einspruch), how long you have, and where to send it. It is the single most important part of the letter. If it is missing or wrong, the deadline is usually extended to one year.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

The decision usually becomes final and binding (bestandskräftig). If you missed it through no fault of your own, you may be able to apply for reinstatement (Wiedereinsetzung in den vorigen Stand) — do this quickly and, for serious matters, with professional help.

Guide

German deadlines (Frist): how they work

Q: When does the deadline start — the postmark or the day I open it?

Neither exactly. A letter sent by ordinary post is legally deemed delivered a few days after it was posted (the Bekanntgabefiktion; since 2025 this is four days). The deadline runs from that deemed delivery date, not from when you actually opened the envelope.

If you learn one thing about German official mail, learn this: many letters contain a Frist — a hard deadline — and missing it can cost you real money or rights. Here is how to find it and how it works.

The most important part

Look for the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung at the end of the letter. It tells you the deadline and which remedy applies. For most decisions it’s one month; for fines and court payment orders it’s usually two weeks.

Where to find the deadline

German authorities rarely put the deadline in a big red box. It lives in the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung (“instructions on legal remedies”), almost always the last paragraph. It names three things: the remedy (Widerspruch for most decisions, Einspruch for tax and fines), the time limit, and the authority you must send it to.

When does the clock start?

Not when you open the envelope. A letter sent by ordinary post counts as delivered a few days after it was posted — the Bekanntgabefiktion. Since 2025 this is four days after posting. The deadline runs from that date. If the last day falls on a weekend or public holiday, it moves to the next working day.

Dates without guarantee. The binding source is always the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung in your letter. Check the date yourself. If that notice is missing or incorrect, the deadline is usually extended to one year.

The usual periods

One month — most administrative decisions: tax assessment (Einspruch), Jobcenter/benefits, health insurer, broadcasting fee (Widerspruch).
Two weeks — fine notice (Bußgeldbescheid, Einspruch) and court payment order (Mahnbescheid, Widerspruch).
Payment due dates — invoices and reminders state their own date; these are contractual, not the legal-remedy period.

If you already missed it

The decision usually becomes bestandskräftig (final and binding). If you missed the deadline through no fault of your own — illness, a delivery error — you may apply for Wiedereinsetzung in den vorigen Stand (reinstatement). Act fast and, for anything serious, get advice.

This guide is general information and not legal or tax advice. For difficult or high-stakes cases, contact a lawyer, a Steuerberater, or an official advice centre.

Frequently asked

Where exactly is the deadline written?

In the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung, usually the last paragraph. It states the remedy, the time limit and where to send it.

Does the deadline start when I open the letter?

No. A posted letter is deemed delivered a few days after posting (since 2025, four days). The clock runs from that date, not from when you opened it.

Is the objection free?

The administrative Widerspruch and the tax Einspruch are usually free. Costs arise if you hire a lawyer.

Never miss a Frist again

Photograph the letter — Mein Büro reads the German, finds the deadline, and counts down the days for you. It even drafts your objection.

Scan a letter free

A letter from the Finanzamt (tax office), explained Mahnung: a German payment reminder, explained

German deadlines (Frist): how they work

Where to find the deadline

When does the clock start?

The usual periods

If you already missed it

Frequently asked

Never miss a Frist again

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