essential terms explained in plain language.
115 terms
File reference number — a unique case number assigned by an authority to identify your case.
Administrative decision / notice — an official ruling by a government authority that has binding legal effect.
Registered mail — postal service providing proof of delivery, required for most legal correspondence.
Certificate of inheritance — official document proving your right to inherit an estate.
Deadline — a legally binding time limit for responding to or filing an official document.
Debt collection agency — a company hired by creditors to collect overdue debts. Inkasso letters are common but you should verify the legitimacy and the debt before paying.
Payment order — court-issued demand for payment. If not contested within 2 weeks, becomes an enforcement order.
Ein Mahnbescheid wurde gegen Sie erlassen.
Dunning notice / payment reminder — a formal written demand for overdue payment.
Garnishment / seizure — legal enforcement action where wages or assets are seized to satisfy a debt.
Attachment exemption limit — the minimum income that cannot be seized by a creditor through wage or bank attachment. Protects basic living expenses. Updated annually.
Compulsory share of inheritance — the minimum share of an estate that close relatives cannot be disinherited from.
Debt counselling — free or low-cost professional advice for people with debt problems. Available through Caritas, Diakonie, consumer centres (Verbraucherzentralen), and municipalities.
Power of attorney — legal document authorising someone to act on your behalf.
Enforcement title — a legally binding document (e.g. a final court judgement or a non-contested Mahnbescheid) that allows a creditor to enforce payment through bailiffs.
Formal objection — written appeal against an administrative decision. Must be filed within 1 month.
Sie haben das Recht, gegen diesen Bescheid Widerspruch einzulegen.
Certificate of service — proof that a legal document was officially delivered.