verjährte

Verjährte is a German legal term that translates to "statute-barred" or "expired by the statute of limitations" in English. It refers to the expiration of a legal claim or right due to the passage of a specified period of time. This means that after a certain duration, the right to pursue legal action or enforce a debt is lost.

The concept of verjährte is a fundamental principle in many legal systems, designed to provide legal certainty and prevent claims from being brought forward indefinitely. It encourages prompt action and protects potential defendants from stale claims for which evidence may have been lost or memories faded.

The specific time periods for verjährte vary depending on the type of claim. For example, claims arising from contracts, torts, or property disputes will have different limitation periods. These periods are often set by statutes enacted by the legislature. Once a claim has become verjährte, it is generally unenforceable in court, meaning the claimant can no longer successfully sue to have their rights recognized or enforced. However, it's important to note that the underlying debt or obligation may still exist in a moral or natural sense, though it cannot be legally compelled.