Local court (Mahngericht) · two weeks after service

Got a court payment order? Calculate the two-week objection deadline

A creditor has asked the court to issue a payment order. The court has not checked whether the claim is correct.

How to recognise the letter

It comes from the local court (central payment order court) in a yellow envelope.
An objection form is enclosed.
The court has not checked whether the claim is correct.

Which deadline applies?

Objection (Widerspruch): two weeks after service (§ 692 Abs. 1 Nr. 3, § 694 Abs. 1 ZPO). If the end falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the deadline ends on the next working day (§ 222 Abs. 2 ZPO). The calculator on this page works out the exact day – step by step.

An objection is possible as long as no enforcement order has been issued (§ 694 Abs. 1 ZPO); against an enforcement order: objection within two weeks of service (§ 700 Abs. 1, § 339 Abs. 1 ZPO).

What happens if you do nothing?

Without an objection, the creditor can apply for an enforcement order (Vollstreckungsbescheid) and then seize your wages or account.

Your options

Check whether you know the claim
Object with the enclosed form – no reasons needed
If correct: pay or agree instalments
Advice: lawyer, debt advice service

Who can help?

Lawyer, legal applications office of the local court

Terms in this letter

Gelber Umschlag (Postzustellungsurkunde)A letter whose delivery is formally certified.MahnbescheidA letter from the local court in which someone demands money from you.VollstreckungsbescheidThe step after the payment order: it allows enforcement.WiderspruchYour objection to a decision, e.g. from the Jobcenter or health insurer.ZustellungFormal service of a letter, usually in a yellow envelope.

Frequently asked questions

Until when can I object?

Within two weeks of service (§ 692 Abs. 1 Nr. 3 ZPO), and after that as long as no enforcement order has been issued (§ 694 Abs. 1 ZPO).

How much time do I have?

Two weeks after service (§ 692 Abs. 1 Nr. 3, § 694 Abs. 1 ZPO). If the end falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the deadline ends on the next working day (§ 222 Abs. 2 ZPO). The calculator above shows the exact day with every step.

Who can help me?

Lawyer, legal applications office of the local court.

General information, not legal advice. Whether this decision is correct and what is right in your case is for an advice centre or a lawyer to say. Laws link to the official German text at gesetze-im-internet.de.