A debt collection company (Inkassounternehmen) collects debts for others. It writes to you because the original creditor has hired it or sold the debt to it.
Key points
- Debt collection companies (Inkassounternehmen) in Germany must be registered. You can check this in the public Legal Services Register (Rechtsdienstleistungsregister).
- Among other things, the letter must make clear who the debt collector (Inkasso) is acting for and what the claim is based on.
- Whether interest and debt collection costs (Inkassokosten) can be charged at this level depends on the individual case. A consumer advice centre (Verbraucherzentrale) or debt counselling service (Schuldnerberatung) can check this.
- A debt collection letter (Inkassobrief) is not a court order. You should still not ignore it.
- Name and address of the debt collection company (Inkassounternehmen)
- Case reference number (Aktenzeichen)
- Original creditor – who the debt collector (Inkasso) is writing on behalf of
- Principal claim (Hauptforderung) – the actual outstanding amount
- Interest
- Debt collection costs (Inkassokosten)
- Total amount
- Payment deadline
- Bank details
- An instalment offer, if applicable
What now?
- 1Find the original bill or contract
- 2Look at the principal claim (Hauptforderung), interest and costs separately
- 3Check that the debt collection company (Inkassounternehmen) is registered
- 4Note the deadline and keep all letters
- 5If anything is unclear, get advice before signing anything
Instalment offers can ease the pressure. Before signing, read carefully to check whether you would also be agreeing to additional costs or an acknowledgement of debt (Schuldanerkenntnis). If you’re unsure, have the offer checked first.
Creditors can hire debt collection companies (Inkassounternehmen) or sell debts to them. The debt collector then writes to you instead of the original company.
MeaNext provides general information about debt, payment reminders (Mahnungen), garnishment (Pfändung) and financial problems. This information does not replace individual debt, legal or financial advice. Deadlines, contracts, types of claims and personal circumstances may be crucial in your particular case.
Last reviewed by a specialist: 09/10/2026
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