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What does Klage mean?

With a Klage (lawsuit), you ask a court to check a decision made by an office.

die Klage · die Klagen (plural)

Usually you must first file a Widerspruch or an Einspruch. Sometimes, though, the Klage is the first step. The Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung then says so.

There is also a deadline for the Klage. It is in the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung of the Widerspruchsbescheid or the Einspruchsentscheidung (the decision on your objection).

At the Sozialgericht (social court), insured people and people who receive benefits usually pay no court fees. At other courts, a Klage can cost money.

Example sentence

Ich erhebe Klage gegen den Bescheid vom 18.03.2026 in Gestalt des Widerspruchsbescheids vom 02.09.2026.

I am filing a Klage against the Bescheid of 18.03.2026, as it stands after the Widerspruchsbescheid of 02.09.2026.

What you can do

Get advice before you file a Klage, for example at an advice centre or a law firm. Do not wait until just before the deadline ends.

  • Widerspruchsbescheid With the Widerspruchsbescheid, the office decides on your Widerspruch.
  • Widerspruch With a Widerspruch, you tell the office: I do not agree with this Bescheid.
  • Einspruch With an Einspruch, you challenge certain decisions, for example from the Finanzamt (tax office) or a Bußgeldbescheid (fine).
  • Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung The Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung is a text at the end of a Bescheid. It explains how you can challenge the decision.