Limitation period (Verjährung)

In practice

Because of the standard limitation period, many claims are filed shortly before the end of the year. The Christmas season is therefore often very stressful for lawyers. For businesses in particular, it is worth checking regularly whether potential claims will become time-barred in the near future and, if in doubt, engaging a lawyer in good time. Bringing a claim is not always the best route. Particularly where the issues are complex, debtors are also willing to waive the limitation defence in order to avoid court proceedings and allow negotiations. Where a debtor currently lacks the liquidity to pay, having the claim established by a final and binding decision, for example by an enforcement order (Vollstreckungsbescheid), can create a limitation period that is generally thirty years.