What does Gerichtsvollzieher mean?
The Gerichtsvollzieher (bailiff) collects debts for creditors. They may, for example, seize things or ask about your assets.
der Gerichtsvollzieher · die Gerichtsvollzieher (plural)
They usually only come once a creditor has an enforceable title, for example a Vollstreckungsbescheid or a court judgment.
They often first suggest instalments. Take their letters and appointments seriously.
They can ask you to give a statement of assets (Vermögensauskunft). If you do not come, this can have serious consequences.
Get advice immediately, for example at a debt advice centre (Schuldnerberatung).
Example sentence
Der Gerichtsvollzieher wird Sie am 12.11.2026 zwischen 08:00 und 12:00 Uhr aufsuchen.
The Gerichtsvollzieher will visit you on 12.11.2026 between 08:00 and 12:00.
What you can do
Contact the bailiff if you cannot keep an appointment. Ask for instalments.
Related words
- Pfändung Pfändung (seizure) means a Gläubiger takes money or things from you with the state's help to collect a debt.
- Vollstreckungsbescheid A Vollstreckungsbescheid comes from the court if you did not file a Widerspruch against a Mahnbescheid in time.
- Gläubiger A Gläubiger (creditor) is a person, company or office that you owe money to, or that claims you do.
- Schuldnerberatung A Schuldnerberatung (debt advice centre) helps people with debts get an overview and find a way out.
- Ratenzahlung Ratenzahlung (payment in instalments) means you pay a debt in smaller amounts, for example part of it every month.