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Ausländerbehörde (immigration office)

Anhörung (hearing) from the Ausländerbehörde: how to reply

What this letter means

An Anhörung (hearing, a chance to comment before a decision) is not yet a decision. The authority wants to decide something that is negative for you. For example, it wants to refuse your application or end your Aufenthaltstitel (residence permit). Before it does this, it must give you the chance to comment (§ 28 VwVfG and the equivalent laws of the federal states).

This is your chance. You can explain why the authority should decide differently. You can send documents that show your situation, for example an employment contract or a school certificate for your child.

You have to say yourself what speaks in your favour. The authority does not have to look for it (§ 82 Abs. 1 AufenthG).

What to do now

  1. 1Find the deadline in the letter and write it in your calendar.
  2. 2Read what the authority plans to do and why.
  3. 3Go to an advice centre or to a lawyer straight away.
  4. 4Collect documents that speak in your favour: work, income, housing, family, language course, school.
  5. 5Write your reply with your Aktenzeichen (file number), name and date of birth.
  6. 6Write your reply in German. German authorities work in German, so a letter in German is the safest way to make sure your reply is understood and processed. The templates (Vorlagen) on this site are in German.
  7. 7Send the reply before the deadline ends, ideally as an Einschreiben (registered letter), and keep a copy.

How you can reply

Write a Stellungnahme (statement)

Explain why the authority should decide differently. Attach copies of your proof.

Apply for Akteneinsicht (inspection of your file)

You may look at your file if you need this to defend your rights (§ 29 VwVfG).

Template: Akteneinsicht bei einer Behoerde beantragen

Ask for more time

If you still need to get documents. Write this before the deadline ends.

Common questions

Do I have to reply to an Anhörung?

You do not have to, but you should. If you do not reply, the authority decides only with what it already knows.

Can I file a Widerspruch (objection) against the Anhörung?

No. The Anhörung is not yet a decision. A Widerspruch or a Klage (court action) is only possible against the later Bescheid (official decision).

What happens if I send documents too late?

If the authority has set a deadline, it may ignore information that comes later (§ 82 Abs. 1 AufenthG). So send everything in time.

Can I reply in English?

Write your reply in German. German authorities work in German, so a letter in German is the safest way to make sure your reply is understood and processed. An advice centre can help you with this. The templates (Vorlagen) on this site are in German.

Sources (German law and official pages)

  1. § 28 VwVfG: Anhörung Beteiligter
  2. § 29 VwVfG: Akteneinsicht durch Beteiligte
  3. § 82 AufenthG: Mitwirkung des Ausländers
  4. BAMF: Migrationsberatung für Erwachsene

Research as of: 10 November 2026