Zahlungsbefehl

Zahlungsbefehl is a formal, court-issued order demanding payment of a monetary debt. It is used in civil debt collection in several German-speaking countries to obtain an enforceable title with minimal court action.

Typically, a creditor applies to a court or debt-collection authority, which issues the Zahlungsbefehl and serves it on the debtor. The document states the amount due, any interest and costs, the claim's basis, and the deadline by which the debtor must respond.

Within the defined period the debtor may file an objection or defense (Widerspruch or Einwendung). If no timely objection is raised, the creditor can obtain an enforceable title and move to enforcement measures such as garnishment or seizure of assets.

If the debtor objects, the procedure generally proceeds to ordinary court proceedings to adjudicate the claim. Depending on jurisdiction, the objection may suspend enforcement until the outcome.

Limitations and defenses can include incorrect or time-barred claims, improper service, or other legal grounds for not paying. The instrument applies to monetary claims; non-monetary claims require other procedures.