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Guide

Mahnung: a German payment reminder

A Mahnung can be a harmless reminder — or the start of a court procedure with a very short deadline. The key is telling the two apart.

First things first

An informal Mahnung is a reminder from a company. A Mahnbescheid (in a yellow envelope from a court) is formal — you usually have only two weeks from delivery to file a Widerspruch.

Mahnung vs. Mahnbescheid

A Mahnung is a private payment reminder: check whether it is justified, whether you already paid, and pay or dispute it. It has no court deadline, but ignoring genuine debts can lead to the next step.

A Mahnbescheid comes from a district court (the central Mahngericht) in the automated dunning procedure. It does not mean a judge has checked the claim — but it forces you to react within the deadline.

The deadline

For a Mahnbescheid you usually have two weeks from delivery to object. The delivery date is on the yellow envelope (Zustellungsurkunde). If the last day is a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next working day.

Dates without guarantee. The binding source is the notice on the Mahnbescheid itself. Check the delivery date and keep the envelope.

What to do with a Mahnbescheid

  1. Check the claim. Do you know the creditor and the amount? Is it already paid, or time-barred?
  2. Fill in the objection form. It is enclosed. Tick, sign, return — no reasons needed. A partial objection is possible if only part of the claim is wrong.
  3. Return it in time to the court named on the notice, and keep proof.
  4. Wait for the next step. After your objection the claimant can move to ordinary court proceedings, where the claim is examined.
This guide is general information and not legal advice. If the amount is large or unclear, contact a lawyer or a debt/consumer advice centre.

Frequently asked

Is a Mahnung the same as a Mahnbescheid?
No. A Mahnung is an informal company reminder; a Mahnbescheid is a formal court order with a two-week objection deadline.
Do I have to explain my objection?
No. For a Mahnbescheid the enclosed form is enough; reasons are not required. A partial objection is possible.
What if I miss the two weeks?
The claimant can obtain a Vollstreckungsbescheid; against that you again have about two weeks to file an Einspruch. React to every such letter immediately.

Two weeks go fast

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Read more

German deadlines (Frist): how they work A letter from the Finanzamt (tax office), explained