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Amtsgericht (local court)

Vollstreckungsbescheid (enforcement order) received: Einspruch within two weeks

What this letter means

If someone did not object to a Mahnbescheid in time, the creditor can apply for a Vollstreckungsbescheid (enforcement order). It has the same effect as a provisionally enforceable default judgment (Versäumnisurteil). The creditor can use it immediately to have your assets seized, for example your bank account or your wages.

You can file an Einspruch (objection) against the Vollstreckungsbescheid. No form is enclosed; you write the Einspruch yourself, in German. After the Einspruch, the case goes to the court responsible for the dispute (Streitgericht), and the creditor has to give reasons for the claim.

If you do not file an Einspruch, the Vollstreckungsbescheid becomes final (rechtskräftig). Claims that have been finally established only become time-barred after 30 years.

What to do now

  1. 1Write down the delivery date from the envelope and add two weeks. The deadline calculator can help.
  2. 2Write to the court that issued the Vollstreckungsbescheid: case number (Geschäftsnummer), your name, „Ich lege gegen den Vollstreckungsbescheid vom ... Einspruch ein“ (I object to the Vollstreckungsbescheid dated ...), signature. Write the letter in German.
  3. 3In the same letter, ask the court to temporarily stop enforcement (Zwangsvollstreckung einstweilen einstellen).
  4. 4Send the Einspruch so that it reaches the court before the deadline ends, and keep the proof.
  5. 5Get advice, for example from a Verbraucherzentrale (consumer advice centre) or a debt advice service (Schuldnerberatung), if you are unsure.

How you can reply

File an Einspruch (objection)

The Einspruch does not need reasons to be valid. In the proceedings that follow, however, you should explain your objections.

Ask for enforcement to be stopped

The Vollstreckungsbescheid can be enforced immediately, even if you file an Einspruch. On application, the court can temporarily stop enforcement.

Pay or agree on instalments

If the claim is justified, talk to the creditor about paying in instalments (Ratenzahlung). Put any agreement in writing.

Common questions

I missed the deadline because I was in hospital. What can I do?

You can apply for Wiedereinsetzung in den vorigen Stand (reinstatement after a missed deadline) if you were prevented from meeting the deadline through no fault of your own. You must apply within two weeks after the obstacle has ended, and file the Einspruch at the same time.

Can the creditor seize my assets right away?

Yes. The Vollstreckungsbescheid is an enforceable title (Vollstreckungstitel). Protect your current account by having it converted into a Pfändungsschutzkonto (P-Konto, account protected from seizure).

Someone ordered goods in my name. What now?

Make sure you file an Einspruch within the deadline. If you do not defend yourself in the payment order procedure (Mahnverfahren), it is very hard to argue later that it was identity theft. Also report it to the police (Anzeige).

Sources (German law and official pages)

  1. § 700 Einspruch gegen den Vollstreckungsbescheid (ZPO)
  2. § 339 Einspruchsfrist (ZPO)
  3. § 719 Einstweilige Einstellung bei Rechtsmittel und Einspruch (ZPO)
  4. § 233 Wiedereinsetzung in den vorigen Stand (ZPO)
  5. § 234 Wiedereinsetzungsfrist (ZPO)
  6. § 197 Dreißigjährige Verjährungsfrist (BGB)
  7. Verbraucherzentrale: Gerichtliches Mahnverfahren, was tun bei einem Mahnbescheid?
  8. Verbraucherzentrale: Das P-Konto als Schutz vor Kontopfändung

Research as of: 10 November 2026