Letters and deadlines
Widerspruch
Objection (authorities)
Last updated: September 28, 2026
What does Widerspruch mean?
A Widerspruch is the formal objection against a decision (Bescheid) of most German authorities, such as the Jobcenter, the Wohngeld office or the Ausländerbehörde where the procedure exists. You have one month from delivery. Against a court payment order (Mahnbescheid) the Widerspruch deadline is two weeks.
Key facts
| Deadline | 1 month after the decision is delivered (§70 VwGO) |
| Against a Mahnbescheid | 2 weeks after service (§692 ZPO) |
| Form | Written, electronic or recorded in person |
| Missing Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung | The deadline extends to one year |
What to do
- Check the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung at the end of the decision: it names the right remedy, the authority and the deadline.
- Write: 'Hiermit lege ich Widerspruch gegen den Bescheid vom [date], Aktenzeichen [number], ein.' Sign it.
- Send it in writing (letter, fax, or electronically where offered) or hand it in and ask for a stamped copy.
- You can add the reasons later; what counts is lodging it within the deadline.
Worth knowing
Some states have abolished the Widerspruch procedure for certain decisions, including some immigration decisions. The Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung then tells you to go straight to the administrative court, usually also within one month.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a Widerspruch?
One month after the decision is delivered, unless the decision lacks correct instructions on your rights (Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung), in which case the period is one year. Against a court Mahnbescheid you have two weeks.
Can I file a Widerspruch by email?
A normal email is often not enough. Use a signed letter, fax, the authority's official online channel, or hand it in and ask for a stamped copy as proof.
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Sources
More German terms: letters and deadlines
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