Klageziel

Klageziel is a term used in civil procedure to denote the objective of a lawsuit—the specific legal remedy or relief that the plaintiff seeks from the court. It arises from the plaintiff’s request (Klageantrag) and defines the outcome the court is asked to grant, such as payment of money, performance of an obligation, an injunction, or a declaratory judgment.

The Klageziel is distinct from the factual basis of the action (Klagegrund) and from the broader dispute object (Streitgegenstand). The Klageziel represents the legal effect sought, while the Klagegrund explains why that relief is warranted and the Streitgegenstand covers the underlying facts and claims. The Klageantrag is the concrete expression of the desired remedy, including the precise form and scope of the relief.

Typical forms of Klageziel include monetary claims (damages or payment of a specified amount), performance or delivery of goods or services, injunctions or prohibitions (Unterlassung), and declaratory relief (Feststellung that a right exists or does not exist). The Klageziel must be sufficiently determinate to enable the court to grant a corresponding remedy within its jurisdiction.

Procedural considerations also reflect the Klageziel: it guides the court’s decision and the scope of the judgment. If the target relief is vague or broader than the pleadings allow, the court may require clarification, limit the judgment, or reject parts of the claim. Amendments to the Klageantrag can alter the Klageziel under the rules on pleading changes.