Short answer: Under § 692 para. 1 no. 3 ZPO (German Code of Civil Procedure), you can object to a payment order (Mahnbescheid) within two weeks of its service. The objection must be made in writing to the court that issued the order. If you let the period pass, the creditor can apply for an enforcement order. Last updated: November 2026.
A German payment order looks at first glance like another reminder, but it is a court document. It asks you to pay or object within a set period. If you ignore it, the claim can become enforceable. That is why you should check the document at once and keep the deadline in view.
The most important points
- Under § 692 para. 1 no. 3 ZPO, the objection period is two weeks after service of the payment order.
- The objection must be made in writing to the court that issued the payment order.
- An objection is possible as long as no enforcement order has been issued.
- A late objection is treated as an Einspruch (a formal objection) under § 694 para. 2 ZPO.
- You do not have to justify the objection, but you should state clearly how far it extends.
What is a payment order and who sends it?
A payment order is the first step in the German court-based dunning procedure. The creditor applies for it at the competent court, and the court serves it on you. It contains the claim, the principal sum, interest and costs, as well as the request to pay or object within a deadline. Unlike a debt collection letter, the payment order is a court document, which is why the deadlines are strict.
Many recipients confuse the payment order with an ordinary reminder, and as a result it is answered too late. So first check the sender, the case number and the date of service. Only then do you know when the period starts.
How do you calculate the two week period?
The period starts with the service of the payment order, not with the date printed on the letter. What counts is the day on which the document was actually handed over or served. Keep the envelope and, if there is one, the proof of service. These documents help you prove the date later.
Example for illustration: Assumption: the payment order is served on Monday, 2 November 2026. The period then ends two weeks later, on 16 November 2026. Plan a buffer and send the objection as early as possible. Holidays or travel do not extend the period unless the court has told you otherwise.
| Point in time | What happens | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| Service of the payment order | the period starts | note the date and keep the envelope |
| Within two weeks | an objection is still timely | send it in writing to the court |
| After the period without objection | the creditor can apply for an enforcement order | seek legal advice and check the deadlines |
| After an enforcement order | the claim can be enforced | check whether an objection to the enforcement order is possible |
How do you word the objection correctly?
The objection must be made in writing to the court that issued the payment order, as § 694 para. 1 ZPO provides. Use the form that often comes with the payment order, or write a short letter with clear details. State the case number, the parties and the fact that you object. You do not need a detailed justification, but make clear whether you dispute the entire claim or only part of it.
If you dispute only part of the claim, say exactly which part you mean. For example, you might challenge part of the interest or costs and accept the principal sum. If you dispute the entire claim, no partial acceptance is needed. What matters is that the court can see what you want.
- Check the service date, the case number and the competent court.
- Write a written objection and state its scope.
- Send it so that it reaches the court within two weeks, and keep proof.
- Check whether the court confirms receipt.
What happens if you do not object?
If you do not object within the period, the creditor can apply for an enforcement order. With it, the claim can be enforced, provided the court grants the application. An enforcement order is a serious document, because it makes the claim directly enforceable. Silence in response to a payment order is therefore not neutral. It has the effect of letting the procedure continue.
Even when the deadline is nearly over, an objection is worth making. A late objection is treated as an Einspruch (a formal objection) under § 694 para. 2 ZPO, and the court informs you of this. That is not a safe fallback, because the Einspruch follows its own requirements. Do not wait until the last moment.
What does an objection mean for payment?
An objection does not end the matter, but it prevents the enforcement order. The creditor will then usually have to bring the claim before a court for a full review, which can take time. During that period, pay only if you accept the claim or have reached an agreement.
If you consider the claim justified, you can offer payment. Then conclude a written agreement on instalments or payment dates. Whether an instalment arrangement is possible is up to the creditor. A consumer advice service can help you find realistic options.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to justify my objection?
No, a detailed justification is not required. You should, however, state the scope of your objection clearly so that the court knows what is disputed.
Can I object by e-mail?
The objection must reach the court in writing. Whether an electronic route is permitted depends on the information the competent court provides. Check the instructions on the payment order before you rely on another route.
What is the difference between a payment order and an enforcement order?
The payment order asks you to pay or to object. The enforcement order is issued when you have not reacted, and it allows enforcement. Remedies against an enforcement order are separate.
What if I missed the deadline?
Act immediately. A late objection is treated as an Einspruch (a formal objection) under § 694 para. 2 ZPO. Write to the court without delay and ask a consumer advice service or a lawyer for a quick assessment.
What if I have already paid the claim?
Send proof of payment to the creditor and to the court at once. Keep your bank statement and receipt. Proof of payment often clears up an open claim quickly.
When should I get legal advice?
If the amount is high, the claim is disputed or an enforcement order has been issued, seek legal advice promptly. A consumer advice centre can also give you a first assessment.
So what should you do now?
- Note the date of service and calculate the two week period.
- Write a written objection with the case number and its scope.
- Send the objection in time to the court and keep proof.
- Check the claim and seek advice from a consumer advice centre or a legal adviser if needed.
Related reading
- Consumer rights in everyday life: protection against fraud and unfair contracts (in German)
- Debt collection letter received: what to check before you pay (in German)
- Direct debit objection: how to get your money back (in German)
- Phone contract: how to withdraw from it (in German)
- Fraud on sales platforms: warning signs when buying and selling (in German)
Sources: § 692 ZPO: payment order (gesetze-im-internet.de, German, retrieved 2 November 2026), § 694 ZPO: objection to the payment order (gesetze-im-internet.de, German, retrieved 2 November 2026)
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
