GermanyWhat if the defendant won't pay after I win in German sma...
You must enforce the judgment via compulsory enforcement (Zwangsvollstreckung) through the local Amtsgericht—winning the case alone does not guarantee payment.
What the Law Says
German civil procedure distinguishes between obtaining a judgment and enforcing it. A small claims judgment from the Amtsgericht is legally binding but self-executing only if voluntarily complied with.
Under the German Code of Civil Procedure (Zivilprozessordnung – ZPO), a final judgment (rechtskräftiges Urteil) or an enforceable title (vollstreckbarer Titel) — such as a certified Mahnbescheid under §§688–697a ZPO — is required before compulsory enforcement can begin. For uncontested small claims, many plaintiffs use the simplified Mahnverfahren (dunning procedure) instead of full litigation; if the debtor doesn’t object within two weeks (ZPO §694), the Mahnbescheid becomes enforceable (ZPO §700).
Once you hold an enforceable title, you may apply for Zwangsvollstreckung (compulsory enforcement) at the Amtsgericht responsible for the debtor’s place of residence or registered business address (ZPO §728). Enforcement tools include wage garnishment (Lohnpfändung), bank account seizure (Kontopfändung), or seizure of movable assets (ZPO §§803–811).
Statutory TextA title is enforceable if it has been declared enforceable by the court or if the law provides for immediate enforceability — e.g., a Mahnbescheid not opposed within the statutory period.
— ZPO §704
Statutory TextThe court shall issue an enforcement order upon application, provided the title is enforceable and the conditions for enforcement are met.
— ZPO §729
What to Do
Obtain a certified copy of the enforceable title (e.g., final judgment or unopposed Mahnbescheid) from the Amtsgericht.
File an application for enforcement (Vollstreckungsantrag) with the competent Amtsgericht (usually where the debtor resides) using Form 'Antrag auf Erlass eines Vollstreckungsbescheids'.
Engage a Gerichtsvollzieher (court bailiff) to carry out asset seizure or serve garnishment orders — fees are recoverable from the debtor upon successful enforcement.
Sources
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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.