Rechtsauskunft

Rechtsauskunft is a term used in German-speaking areas to denote information about legal rights, remedies, and possible courses of action in a specific legal matter. It is generally non-binding and does not constitute formal legal advice; its purpose is to help individuals understand their situation and decide whether to seek professional counsel.

The content tends to be general rather than case-specific. Typical topics include applicable laws, procedural steps, where to file claims, expected timelines, possible costs, and risk considerations. Because it aims to be broadly informative, it is usually not tailored to individual circumstances.

Providers include lawyers and law firms, but also consumer protection organizations, tenant or workers' unions, legal clinics, and public information offices. Some services offer Rechtsauskunft free of charge, others for a fee. The exact offering and quality can vary by country and institution.

Relation to Rechtsberatung: Rechtsauskunft is distinct from Rechtsberatung, which is tailored legal advice based on an individual's facts and typically requires professional authorization. Relying on Rechtsauskunft alone may be insufficient for making binding decisions in complex matters.

Jurisdictional note: While the term is used across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the specifics of what constitutes permissible legal information and who may provide it differ by country. In all cases, it should be treated as informational and not a substitute for formal legal representation when required.