Question 1

How do I sue a company in Germany from the US or UK?

Accepted Answer

To sue in Germany, you need a German-admitted attorney (Rechtsanwalt) — foreign lawyers cannot represent you in German courts. The process starts with a demand letter (Abmahnung), followed by filing a statement of claim (Klageschrift) at the competent court. For claims above €10,000, attorney representation is mandatory (Anwaltszwang). German litigation has no discovery, no jury trials, and follows the 'loser pays' principle. We handle everything in English — you never need to deal with German courts directly.

Question 2

I've been sued in Germany — what do I do?

Accepted Answer

If you've been served with a German lawsuit (Klageschrift), you typically have 2-4 weeks to respond. Missing this deadline can result in a default judgment (Versäumnisurteil) against you. You need a German-admitted attorney immediately. We can file your defense, request deadline extensions, and represent you through the entire proceeding — all communication with you in English.

Question 3

How long does a lawsuit take in German courts?

Accepted Answer

First-instance proceedings at a German Regional Court (Landgericht) typically take 6-12 months. Complex cases with expert witnesses may take 12-18 months. Appeals (Berufung) add another 6-12 months. Interim injunctions (einstweilige Verfügungen) can be obtained within days. German litigation is generally faster than US or UK proceedings.

Question 4

What does litigation cost in Germany?

Accepted Answer

German litigation costs are calculated from statutory fee schedules based on the amount in dispute — not hourly billing. Germany follows the 'loser pays' rule: the losing party pays court fees and both sides' statutory attorney fees. For a €100,000 dispute, total first-instance costs typically range from €8,000-€15,000. This makes German litigation far more predictable and usually cheaper than US litigation.

Question 5

Can I enforce a US or UK judgment in Germany?

Accepted Answer

US judgments are generally not directly enforceable in Germany — there is no bilateral enforcement treaty. You need a separate enforcement proceeding (Exequaturverfahren) where a German court reviews the judgment. UK judgments post-Brexit require enforcement under the Hague Convention where applicable. Alternatively, you may need to re-litigate the claim in Germany. We advise on the fastest and most cost-effective enforcement strategy.

Question 6

Can I use arbitration instead of German courts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if your contract contains an arbitration clause. Germany is a signatory to the New York Convention, making arbitral awards enforceable. Common arbitration institutions include the ICC, DIS (German Arbitration Institute), and LCIA. We represent international clients in both institutional and ad-hoc arbitration proceedings seated in Germany, as well as in enforcement of foreign arbitral awards before German courts.

Question 7

What is the difference between Amtsgericht and Landgericht?

Accepted Answer

The Amtsgericht (Local Court) handles civil disputes up to €10,000 — attorney representation is optional but recommended. The Landgericht (Regional Court) handles claims above €10,000 and all commercial matters — attorney representation is mandatory. Commercial disputes can be assigned to specialized Kammern für Handelssachen (Chambers for Commercial Matters) with experienced commercial judges. Appeals go to the Oberlandesgericht (Higher Regional Court) and ultimately to the Bundesgerichtshof (Federal Court of Justice).

Question 8

Do I need to travel to Germany for my court case?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. Your German attorney represents you in court, and personal appearance is rarely required. If the court orders your personal attendance for a hearing, video conferencing is increasingly accepted. We handle all filings, court appearances, and procedural matters on your behalf — you stay informed through regular English-language updates.

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