GermanyHow do I file a small claims case in Germany?
In Germany, file a small claims case (up to €5,000) directly with the local Amtsgericht using written form or online via the elektronische Rechtsantrag (ERiC); no lawyer required.
What the Law Says
German small claims procedure is governed by the Gerichtsverfassungsgesetz (GVG) and Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO), providing simplified, expedited proceedings for low-value civil disputes.
Under § 23 Abs. 2 GVG, the Amtsgericht has exclusive jurisdiction for civil claims up to €5,000 (as of 2026; unchanged since 2014 amendment). This includes monetary claims, contract disputes, and property damage — but excludes family, labour, and administrative matters.
The simplified procedure is codified in §§ 494–498 ZPO. It waives formal pleading requirements, allows oral submissions (§ 495 ZPO), and generally prohibits legal representation unless both parties agree (§ 496 ZPO). Judgments are enforceable immediately upon issuance (§ 705 ZPO).
Statutory TextFür Streitwerte bis zu fünftausend Euro ist das Amtsgericht ausschließlich zuständig.
— Gerichtsverfassungsgesetz (GVG), § 23 Abs. 2
Statutory TextDas Gericht kann die mündliche Verhandlung auch ohne Anwalt führen, wenn der Streitwert den Betrag von 5.000 Euro nicht übersteigt.
— Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO), § 496
What to Do
Determine jurisdiction: File at the Amtsgericht where the defendant resides or — for contractual claims — where performance was due (§ 12 ZPO).
Prepare and submit the Klageschrift: Include names/addresses of parties, clear claim amount, factual summary, evidence (e.g., invoices, emails), and signature. Use ERiC (elektronische Rechtsantrag) portal or submit in person/by post.
Pay court fees: Fee is based on claim value (e.g., €159 for €3,000 claim) per the Gerichtskostengesetz (GKG) Annex 1, Table 1 — fee waivers available for low-income applicants (§ 114 ZPO).
Sources
Related Questions
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-10-03.