GermanyCan Someone Represent Me in German Small Claims Court?
Yes — but only certain persons: lawyers, close relatives, or employees (with court permission). Self-representation is standard and mandatory for claims under €600.
What the Law Says
German civil procedure strictly regulates party representation in small claims proceedings before the Amtsgericht.
Under § 78 of the Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO), parties in proceedings before the Amtsgericht must generally appear in person. Representation is only permitted in limited cases — notably for claims exceeding €600 (where the 'Mandatory Lawyer Rule' does not yet apply) or where statutory exceptions apply.
For claims up to €600 — the typical small claims threshold — self-representation is mandatory (ZPO § 116(1)). Exceptions allow representation only by a lawyer, a spouse, registered partner, parent, child, sibling, or an employee acting with prior written consent and court approval (ZPO § 78(1)–(2)).
Statutory TextIn proceedings before the local court [Amtsgericht], the parties may be represented only by a lawyer, a relative in direct line or collateral line up to the third degree, or a spouse or life partner — provided the court grants permission.
— Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO), § 78(1)–(2)
What to Do
Determine your claim’s value: If ≤ €600, prepare to represent yourself unless you qualify for an exception under § 78 ZPO.
If using a permitted representative (e.g., parent or lawyer), submit a written power of attorney and request court permission before the hearing.
File your claim via the electronic Mahnverfahren (dunning procedure) first — many small claims are resolved without a hearing (ZPO §§ 688–697).
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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: 2026-10-05.