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German Bureaucracy Glossary

essential terms explained in plain language.

115 terms

Vehicle

Bußgeld

also: Bußgeldbescheid

Fine / penalty — an administrative financial penalty for traffic violations (speeding, parking offences, etc.). Notified via a Bußgeldbescheid.

Sie haben eine Geschwindigkeitsüberschreitung begangen. Ihr Bußgeld beträgt 70 Euro.

Fahrzeugbrief

also: Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II

Vehicle title document (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II) — proof of ownership for a vehicle. Must be kept safe; required when selling or re-registering a vehicle.

Hauptuntersuchung

also: TÜV, HU

Mandatory vehicle inspection (HU/TÜV) — a compulsory roadworthiness test required every 2 years for most vehicles in Germany. Carried out by authorised bodies (TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ).

Ihr Fahrzeug ist zur Hauptuntersuchung fällig.

Kfz-Steuer

also: Kraftfahrzeugsteuer

Annual vehicle tax — a tax levied on motor vehicle owners in Germany, calculated based on engine displacement and CO₂ emissions. Collected by the Hauptzollamt.

Kfz-Zulassung

also: Fahrzeuganmeldung, Zulassungsbescheinigung

Vehicle registration — the official registration of a motor vehicle with the local road traffic authority (Straßenverkehrsamt). Required to drive on public roads.