Document background
The Debt Claim Letter (Mahnschreiben) is a fundamental document in German debt collection practices, used when a payment obligation remains unfulfilled. It serves as a formal demand for payment and is often a prerequisite before initiating legal proceedings through the German courts. This document must comply with specific requirements under German civil law (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch - BGB) and typically includes detailed information about the outstanding amount, payment deadline, and potential consequences of non-payment. It's particularly important as it establishes a clear record of the creditor's attempt to collect the debt and can significantly strengthen the creditor's position in any subsequent legal proceedings. The letter can be used for both B2B and B2C debt collection, though the specific content and tone may vary depending on the relationship between the parties.
