Inkassounternehmen letter explained in English

Debt collection agency. A company that collects money for someone else. Check if the debt is real before paying.

Letters you may get

• Zahlungsaufforderung — they ask you to pay a debt plus fees

What to do

• Ask for proof of the original debt if you don’t recognise it.
• Their fees can be too high. A consumer advice centre can check them.
• 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

Forderung

Claim. Money someone says you owe.

Questions

What is the Inkassounternehmen?

Debt collection agency. A company that collects money for someone else. Check if the debt is real before paying.

How long do I have to answer a letter from the Inkassounternehmen?

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 Inkassounternehmen 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