Beurkundet

Beurkundet is the past participle of the German verb beurkunden, meaning to certify or attest the authenticity and formal validity of a document by a public official, typically a Notar. In German-speaking legal systems, a document that is beurkundet has undergone a formal process that aims to ensure its correctness, authenticity and binding effect.

The act of Beurkundung is a notarial procedure. A Notar verifies the identities of the parties, explains the legal consequences, ensures that the content complies with applicable law, and records the act in an official protocol. The resulting notarial deed typically carries greater evidentiary value and reduces the risk of later disputes regarding authenticity or interpretation. Notarial acts are common for transactions such as real estate transfers, wills, powers of attorney, company formations, and certain contract forms where formal requirements are mandatory.

The term is used in several German-speaking countries with jurisdiction-specific nuances. In everyday language, documents may be described as beurkundet to indicate they are certified by a notary or other authorized public official, or that a copy is beurkundet (certified copy). While beurkundet implies a formal, legally recognized certification, the exact scope and requirements of Beurkundung can vary between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, reflecting differences in their civil-law traditions.