Gerichtstermine

Gerichtstermine are scheduled dates on which a court holds a session to hear a case, decide issues, or advise on settlements. The term is used primarily in German-speaking jurisdictions, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and applies to civil and criminal proceedings alike. A court or its clerk sets the date and notifies the involved parties, usually including the location, time, case number, and the purpose of the hearing.

On a Gerichtstermin, parties, their legal representatives, and, if required, witnesses or experts appear to present arguments, examine evidence, and respond to questions from the judge. Many hearings also serve as opportunities for the court to encourage settlement through mediation or a formal agreement (Vergleich) between the parties. In some cases there may be multiple terms for a single case, such as an initial term and a main hearing, or separate terms for procedural steps.

If a party fails to appear without a valid reason, the court may adjourn the hearing, proceed in the party’s absence, or issue a ruling based on the available record, depending on the jurisdiction and stage of the proceedings. Recurrent absence can carry sanctions or affect the case outcome.

Preparations for a Gerichtstermin typically involve gathering relevant documents, witnesses, and expert reports, as well as complying with any pre-hearing submissions or deadlines set by the court. With increasing digitization, some jurisdictions offer video or telephone participation for certain hearings, though in-person attendance remains common for major proceedings.

Access to upcoming Gerichtstermine is usually provided by the court’s notices, the official justice portal, or the clerk’s office, and can require the docket number for precise identification.