Gericht letter explained in English
Court. A court. Letters from a court are always important — never ignore them.
Letters you may get
- Mahnbescheid — a court payment order
- Ladung — you must appear in court
- Urteil — a judgment
What to do
- Court deadlines are strict and short. Get advice quickly.
- Find the deadline. Look for “Frist”, “bis zum”, “innerhalb”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“Einspruch”, “Widerspruch”). See the template.
Words you may see
- Bescheid
- Official decision. It becomes final if you don’t object in time.
Questions
What is the Gericht?
Court. A court. Letters from a court are always important — never ignore them.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the Gericht?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “Frist”, “bis zum”, “innerhalb” — they mark the deadline. In Germany, a posted official letter usually counts as delivered on the 4th day after it was sent. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“Einspruch”, “Widerspruch”).
Can I read a Gericht letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in German. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in Germany
Finanzamt · Hauptzollamt · Jobcenter · Agentur für Arbeit · Ausländerbehörde · Bürgeramt · ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice · Krankenkasse