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BriefDiener
DE

Gerichtsvollzieher (bailiff)

Gerichtsvollzieher announces a Pfändung (seizure): what are my rights?

What this letter means

The Gerichtsvollzieher (bailiff) announces that he or she will visit you to collect the claim on behalf of a creditor. The bailiff can accept money, agree on instalments or seize movable property. Seized items get a seal (Pfandsiegel) and can be auctioned later.

Many things are protected from seizure: things that you or your family need for a modest life and household, tools and equipment for your job, and things you need for health reasons.

The Gerichtsvollzieher may only search your home without your consent if a judge has ordered it. During the search, he or she must show you the order.

What to do now

  1. 1Check who the creditor is and which amount is demanded.
  2. 2Call the Gerichtsvollzieher during office hours and ask whether a payment or an instalment plan is possible.
  3. 3Prepare an overview of your income and your fixed costs so that you can suggest realistic instalments.
  4. 4Ask for written confirmation of every payment and every agreement.
  5. 5Contact a debt advice service (Schuldnerberatung) if several creditors are enforcing claims against you.
  6. 6If you write to the Gerichtsvollzieher, write in German. The templates (Vorlagen) on this site are in German.

How you can reply

Offer instalments

The Gerichtsvollzieher can make a payment agreement if the creditor has not ruled it out. The debt should be paid off within twelve months.

Erinnerung (complaint) at the Vollstreckungsgericht

If something was seized that is protected from seizure, or if the Gerichtsvollzieher does not follow the rules, you can file an Erinnerung with the Vollstreckungsgericht (enforcement court).

Common questions

Do I have to let the Gerichtsvollzieher into my home?

Without your consent, the bailiff may only enter and search your home with a search order from a judge (richterliche Durchsuchungsanordnung). There are exceptions if getting the order would put the success of the enforcement at risk. At night and on Sundays and public holidays, the bailiff needs special permission from a judge.

May the Gerichtsvollzieher take my TV or my fridge?

Things that are needed for a modest life and household cannot be seized. The Gerichtsvollzieher decides what this includes in the individual case; you can challenge this with an Erinnerung at the Vollstreckungsgericht.

Can the Gerichtsvollzieher also seize my bank account?

No. For seizures of bank accounts and wages, the Vollstreckungsgericht issues a Pfändungs- und Überweisungsbeschluss (garnishment order). More on this under Pfändungs- und Überweisungsbeschluss.

Sources (German law and official pages)

  1. § 802b Gütliche Erledigung; Vollstreckungsaufschub bei Zahlungsvereinbarung (ZPO)
  2. § 811 Unpfändbare Sachen und Tiere (ZPO)
  3. § 758a Richterliche Durchsuchungsanordnung (ZPO)
  4. § 766 Erinnerung gegen Art und Weise der Zwangsvollstreckung (ZPO)
  5. Verbraucherzentrale: Was tun, wenn der Gerichtsvollzieher kommt?

Research as of: 10 November 2026