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DE

Letter from the Gerichtsvollzieher (bailiff): Vermögensauskunft, Pfändung, Schuldnerverzeichnis

A Gerichtsvollzieher (bailiff) only acts if a creditor has an enforceable title (Vollstreckungstitel), for example a court judgment or a Vollstreckungsbescheid. The letter usually contains a demand for payment with a deadline of two weeks and, at the same time, a summons to give a Vermögensauskunft (statement of assets). If you react now, you still have options: pay, offer instalments or get advice. If you ignore the appointment, you risk an arrest warrant (Haftbefehl) and an entry in the Schuldnerverzeichnis (register of debtors).

Typical letters

What is a Gerichtsvollzieher allowed to do?

Gerichtsvollzieher are civil servants at the Amtsgericht (local court). They seize movable property and take the Vermögensauskunft. Seizure of a bank account or wages, on the other hand, is the job of the Vollstreckungsgericht (enforcement court).

The Gerichtsvollzieher may only search your home without your consent if a judge has ordered it. Things you need for a modest life and household or for your work cannot be seized (unpfändbar).

How do I contact the Gerichtsvollzieher?

Name, address, phone number, office hours and reference number (Geschäftszeichen, DR-Nummer) are in the letter. Get in touch before the appointment if you want to pay or offer instalments. Ask for written confirmation of every agreement.

Write to the Gerichtsvollzieher in German. The templates (Vorlagen) on this site are in German.

Which mistakes have the most serious consequences?

Missing the appointment for the Vermögensauskunft: If you stay away without an excuse, the creditor can apply for an arrest warrant (Haftbefehl). The detention ends as soon as you give the statement.

Giving false information: Incorrect or incomplete information in the Vermögensauskunft is a criminal offence, even if it was only given negligently.

Getting help too late: Debt advice services (Schuldnerberatungsstellen) help free of charge with filling in the list of assets (Vermögensverzeichnis) and making a realistic instalment plan. Go there before the appointment if possible.

Common questions

May a debt collection agency threaten me with the Gerichtsvollzieher?

A Gerichtsvollzieher can only be instructed with a court title. In the view of the Verbraucherzentralen (consumer advice centres), announcing that a Gerichtsvollzieher will be sent is not permitted as long as there is no title.

Can I agree on instalments with the Gerichtsvollzieher?

Yes, if the creditor has not ruled this out and you can credibly show that you are able to pay the instalments. The debt should be paid off within twelve months.

Where can I get help?

At recognised debt advice services (Schuldnerberatungsstellen), for example those run by Verbraucherzentralen, welfare organisations (Wohlfahrtsverbände) or local councils. Be careful with paid offers that promise to make you debt free quickly.

Can I write to the Gerichtsvollzieher in English?

Write in German. German authorities and courts work in German, so a letter in German is the safest way to make sure your message is understood and processed. The templates (Vorlagen) on this site are in German.

Sources (German law and official pages)

  1. § 802b Gütliche Erledigung; Vollstreckungsaufschub bei Zahlungsvereinbarung (ZPO)
  2. § 802c Vermögensauskunft des Schuldners (ZPO)
  3. § 802f Verfahren zur Abnahme der Vermögensauskunft (ZPO)
  4. § 802g Erzwingungshaft (ZPO)
  5. § 758a Richterliche Durchsuchungsanordnung (ZPO)
  6. § 811 Unpfändbare Sachen und Tiere (ZPO)
  7. § 882c Eintragungsanordnung (ZPO)
  8. § 882d Vollziehung der Eintragungsanordnung (ZPO)
  9. § 882e Löschung (ZPO)
  10. Verbraucherzentrale: Vermögensauskunft, das gilt es zu beachten
  11. Verbraucherzentrale: Was tun, wenn der Gerichtsvollzieher kommt?

Research as of: 10 November 2026