GermanyWhat is the maximum amount I can sue for in small claims ...
In Germany, the maximum claim value for the small claims procedure (Mahnverfahren and Amtsgericht summary proceedings) is €5,000.
What the Law Says
German civil procedure distinguishes ordinary litigation from simplified, expedited procedures for lower-value disputes. The small claims threshold is defined by statute and applies uniformly across all federal states.
The jurisdictional limit for the simplified 'summary proceedings' (streitige Verfahren vor dem Amtsgericht mit vereinfachtem Verfahren) is set at €5,000. Claims exceeding this amount must be brought before the Landgericht and follow standard civil procedure rules.
This threshold is codified in § 23 Abs. 2 of the Gerichtsverfassungsgesetz (GVG), which assigns exclusive jurisdiction to the Amtsgericht for monetary claims up to €5,000 — including interest and ancillary costs — provided the matter is not otherwise assigned to higher courts (e.g., tenancy or family matters).
Statutory TextDas Amtsgericht ist zuständig für Streitigkeiten über vermögensrechtliche Ansprüche bis zu 5 000 Euro.
— Gerichtsverfassungsgesetz (GVG), § 23 Abs. 2
What to Do
Verify your claim’s total value — include principal, statutory interest (§ 288 BGB), and recoverable pre-litigation costs — ensuring it does not exceed €5,000.
File a Klageschrift (statement of claim) directly with the competent Amtsgericht (usually where the defendant resides or the contract was performed); no lawyer required.
Consider using the electronic Mahnverfahren (payment order) via the Online Portal 'JustizOnline' if undisputed — it becomes enforceable upon non-objection within two weeks (§§ 688 ff. ZPO).
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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.