Mahnung (Zahlungserinnerung eines Unternehmens)

Payment reminder (Mahnung) from a company: what it means and what to do

From: A company you have a contract with, for example a shop, phone provider or energy supplier

A Mahnung is a reminder from a company that says a bill is still unpaid. It is not a court letter and not an official decision. It can put you in default (Verzug), which allows interest and some costs.

Why you got this letter

• You forgot to pay, or a payment was late.
• You did not get the invoice, or you did not agree with it.
• A subscription, an online order, or a service you cancelled was billed.
• A bank transfer or direct debit failed.

What to do

1. 1Check whether the claim is real: Is there a contract? Is the amount right? Did you already pay?
2. 2If you owe it, pay. If you cannot pay in full, contact the company and agree on instalments in writing.
3. 3If it is wrong, object in writing once. Give your reasons. Send it in a way you can prove, for example by Einwurfeinschreiben (registered mail with delivery proof). Keep a copy.
4. 4Do not pay a part of a claim you dispute. The Verbraucherzentrale says this can be read as an admission.
5. 5Check interest and fees. Ask the company to list them.
6. 6If you already paid, send your bank statement as proof and keep it.

Deadline

The date in the reminder. No law gives one fixed length. You can be in default after a reminder. For payment claims, you can also be in default 30 days after the due date and receipt of the invoice, but for consumers only if the invoice specifically pointed this out.

If you do nothing

Costs and interest can grow. The company may hand the claim to a debt collection agency (Inkasso) or ask a court for a Mahnbescheid. A court Mahnbescheid has a short objection deadline, so check who sent your letter.

Words in this letter

Mahnung

A reminder to pay.

Verzug

Default: you are late with a payment you owe.

Verzugszinsen

Interest for late payment. For a consumer: 5 percentage points above the base rate per year.

Mahngebühren

Fees a company charges for a reminder. Ask what they are based on.

Forderung

The claim for money.

Inkasso

Debt collection by a company hired by the creditor.

Example reply

Dispute the claim in writing.

[Vor- und Nachname]
[Anschrift]
Kundennummer / Rechnungsnummer: [Nummer]

An: [Unternehmen, Adresse]

[Ort], [Datum]

Betreff: Ihre Mahnung vom [Datum] – Widerspruch gegen die Forderung

Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,

ich habe Ihre Mahnung vom [Datum] über [Betrag] Euro erhalten. Ich widerspreche der Forderung.

Begründung: [zum Beispiel: Ich habe den Vertrag am [Datum] gekündigt. / Ich habe die Rechnung bereits am [Datum] bezahlt, der Nachweis liegt bei. / Ich habe diese Leistung nicht bestellt.]

Bitte senden Sie mir einen Nachweis für die Forderung und eine Aufstellung der Zinsen und Kosten. Bis zur Klärung zahle ich nichts.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen
[Unterschrift]
[Vor- und Nachname]

[Full name]
[Address]
Customer number / invoice number: [number]

To: [company, address]

[Place], [date]

Subject: Your reminder dated [date] – objection to the claim

Dear Sir or Madam,

I received your reminder dated [date] for [amount] euros. I object to the claim.

Reasons: [for example: I cancelled the contract on [date]. / I already paid the invoice on [date]; proof is attached. / I did not order this service.]

Please send me proof of the claim and a list of the interest and costs. I will not pay until this is clarified.

Kind regards
[Signature]
[Full name]

Questions people ask

Sources

• § 286 BGB (Verzug des Schuldners)
• § 288 BGB (Verzugszinsen und sonstiger Verzugsschaden)
• § 195 BGB (Regelmäßige Verjährungsfrist)
• § 199 BGB (Beginn der regelmäßigen Verjährungsfrist)

Updated 2026-10-20. This page explains a common type of letter; it is not legal advice. Your letter may differ, so check its dates and amounts.