empfangsbedürftig

Empfangsbedürftig is a German adjective that translates to "in need of reception" or "requiring receipt." It is often used in a legal or administrative context to describe a document or communication that has not yet been officially received by the intended recipient. The legal significance of "empfangsbedürftig" lies in the fact that many legal acts and deadlines only become effective or commence once the relevant document has been received. For example, an eviction notice might be considered "empfangsbedürftig" until it is formally delivered to the tenant.

The concept is crucial for determining when a party is officially notified of something, thereby triggering obligations or rights. This can be particularly important in cases of disputes, as the date of receipt can be a critical piece of evidence. Proof of delivery, such as a registered mail receipt or a signed acknowledgment, is often used to establish that a document is no longer "empfangsbedürftig." The specific requirements for what constitutes valid receipt can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the document. The principle ensures fairness by preventing actions from being deemed effective against someone who has not yet been formally informed.