Forderungen

Forderungen is a German term with two related but distinct meanings. In general usage, it denotes a right of a creditor to require a debtor to perform a certain obligation, typically the payment of money or the delivery of goods or services. In business and law, it refers to a claim or demand that a person or organization can enforce against another party.

In accounting, Forderungen are a class of assets known as receivables. They arise mainly from the sale of goods or the provision of services and represent money owed to the company by customers or other counterparties. The most common form is Forderungen aus Lieferungen und Leistungen (receivables from deliveries and services). These are usually structured as current assets, expected to be settled within a short period, and are measured at the nominal amount net of allowances for doubtful or uncollectible amounts.

In civil law, a Forderung is a claim that a creditor holds against a debtor. The underlying obligation can stem from contracts, quasi-contracts, or statutory duties. Forderungen can often be assigned to third parties (Forderungszession) or used as collateral, and they can be pursued in court if the debtor fails to fulfil the obligation.

Risk management and financing arrangements affect Forderungen. Debtors may default, requiring provisions or write-downs for doubtful receivables. Businesses may sell or securitize receivables through factoring or use other financing methods to improve liquidity, transferring some or all of the credit risk to lenders or factor institutions.