Signaturfelder

Signaturfelder are designated areas on documents intended for signatures or electronic signatures. They appear in both paper forms and digital documents and serve to certify consent, authorize actions, and establish accountability by linking the signer's identity with the signed content. In digital contexts, signaturfelder function as interactive signature fields that guide and record the signing process.

In physical documents, signaturfelder typically include spaces for the signature, the printed name, the role or position of the signer, and fields for place and date. Some forms also require a stamp or seal. The exact requirements and layout are usually defined by the issuer and may be legally prescribed for certain document types, such as contracts, powers of attorney, or notarial acts.

In digital documents, signaturfelder are electronic equivalents that invite or require a digital or electronic signature. They are implemented as signature fields in formats like PDFs or in signing platforms. Digital signatures, particularly qualified electronic signatures under eIDAS, provide cryptographic binding between the signer and the document, along with metadata such as timestamp, certificate, and signer identity. The field may enforce validation rules and reflect signing status, and it can prevent further modification once signed.

Legal and practical considerations include the fact that the existence of a signaturfeld does not automatically guarantee validity; proper authentication, lawful purpose, and compliance with data protection rules are necessary. Best practices include clear labeling, ensuring all required data is provided, accessibility, and ensuring that signing cannot be fraudulently altered.