Einzelforderung

Einzelforderung is a German legal term that translates to "individual claim" or "single demand." It refers to a specific, distinct claim that one party has against another. This can arise from various legal relationships, such as contracts, torts, or statutory obligations. For instance, if a company sells goods to a customer and the customer fails to pay, the company has an Einzelforderung for the unpaid purchase price.

The concept of an Einzelforderung is important in civil law, particularly in debt collection and litigation. When a creditor seeks to enforce a debt, they are pursuing an Einzelforderung. This claim can be transferred to another party, for example, through assignment, which then becomes the new creditor for that specific Einzelforderung.

Legal proceedings often focus on establishing the validity and amount of an Einzelforderung. A debtor can raise defenses against an Einzelforderung, such as arguing that the debt has already been paid, that the claim is time-barred, or that the goods or services were not delivered as agreed. The resolution of an Einzelforderung can lead to payment, a court judgment, or other legal remedies. The term emphasizes the singular nature of the claim, distinguishing it from a broader legal dispute or a set of multiple claims.