Letters and deadlines
Mahnung
Payment reminder
Last updated: September 28, 2026
What does Mahnung mean?
A Mahnung is a reminder that a payment is overdue. It usually puts you formally in default (Verzug), which allows the creditor to charge default interest and actual reminder costs. Unanswered reminders can lead to a debt collection agency, a court Mahnbescheid and, for undisputed debts, a negative Schufa entry.
Key facts
| Legal effect | Puts you in default (Verzug) |
| Reminder fees | Only actual costs may be charged |
| Typical next steps | Debt collection, then a court Mahnbescheid |
| Schufa entry | Possible for undisputed, overdue debts after reminders |
What to do
- Check whether the claim is correct: amount, invoice number, whether you already paid.
- If it is correct, pay promptly; reminder fees grow with each stage.
- If it is wrong, reply in writing and explain why. Keep a copy.
- If you cannot pay, contact the creditor and propose instalments. Free debt counselling (Schuldnerberatung) is offered by cities and charities.
Worth knowing
Disputing a claim in writing matters: a debt you have formally disputed generally may not be reported to Schufa while the dispute is open. Silence is the worst option.
Frequently asked questions
How many Mahnungen come before court action?
There is no legal minimum. One reminder is enough to put you in default, and creditors can apply for a Mahnbescheid afterwards. Many companies send two or three reminders first, often followed by a debt collection agency.
Can a Mahnung affect my Schufa score?
Yes, if the debt is due, undisputed and you were reminded but did not pay. A written dispute generally blocks reporting while it is unresolved.
Read next
Sources
More German terms: letters and deadlines
Plain-English explanations of the words on your letters and forms.