How long do I have to make a claim in Germany?
General limitation rules in Germany. Indicative only: exceptions, suspensions and recent reforms are common, so confirm your deadline with a lawyer.
- Contract claims
- 3 years (from knowledge). Regular period: 3 years from the end of the year in which the claim arose and you learned of it (long-stop 10 years).
- Non-contractual damages (tort)
- 3 years (from knowledge)
- Personal injury
- 3 years (from knowledge). Long-stop up to 30 years for injury to life, body or health.
- Employment (e.g. dismissal)
- 3 weeks. A claim against a dismissal under the Protection Against Dismissal Act must generally be filed within 3 weeks of receiving notice.
- Fraud (civil claim)
- 3 years (from knowledge)