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What does Einspruch mean?

With an Einspruch, you challenge certain decisions, for example from the Finanzamt (tax office) or a Bußgeldbescheid (fine).

der Einspruch · die Einsprüche (plural)

An Einspruch is similar to a Widerspruch. It has a different name because different laws apply.

You file an Einspruch, for example, against tax decisions, usually against Kindergeld decisions, and against a Bußgeldbescheid. There is also an Einspruch against a court's Vollstreckungsbescheid.

At the Finanzamt, the deadline is usually one month; for a Bußgeldbescheid, only two weeks. The exact deadline is in the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung.

Say which Bescheid your Einspruch is against, and sign it. At the Finanzamt, you can also send the reasons later.

Example sentence

Hiermit lege ich Einspruch gegen den Einkommensteuerbescheid 2025 vom 18.09.2026 ein.

I hereby lodge an Einspruch against the 2025 income tax Bescheid of 18.09.2026.

What you can do

File the Einspruch in time, even if some documents are still missing. Keep proof that it arrived.

Calculate your deadline

  • Widerspruch With a Widerspruch, you tell the office: I do not agree with this Bescheid.
  • Steuerbescheid A Steuerbescheid (tax assessment) tells you how much tax you must pay or will get back. It usually comes from the Finanzamt.
  • Bußgeldbescheid With a Bußgeldbescheid, an office demands a fine from you, for example because you drove too fast.
  • Vollstreckungsbescheid A Vollstreckungsbescheid comes from the court if you did not file a Widerspruch against a Mahnbescheid in time.
  • Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung The Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung is a text at the end of a Bescheid. It explains how you can challenge the decision.
  • Frist A Frist is the time within which you must do something, for example reply or file a Widerspruch.