Glossary · Austria and Germany
Basic interest rate
The basic interest rate is a statutory reference value. Certain interest claims add a statutory margin to it, so the reference value alone is not the default-interest rate owed.
Distinguish the concepts
A margin expressed in percentage points is added to the reference rate. This differs from increasing a rate by a percentage. A contractual rate may follow another rule; its validity and scope require separate assessment. The country selected in an invoice system does not itself establish which law applies.
Jurisdiction and scope
Germany’s Bundesbank publishes the basic rate for statutory adjustment dates. For Austrian commercial default interest, the relevant reference is the value on the first calendar day of the half-year. The OeNB publishes those half-year values separately. An intermediate change in Austria’s general basic rate does not automatically create a new UGB interest period.
Illustrative business example
Your accounts team updates an interest table in September. Before recalculating older invoices, check jurisdiction, reference date and claim type. Store the reference value, margin and period separately. This makes it possible to explain why equally sized invoices can have different interest amounts.
Common questions
Where can I find a historical value?
Use the Bundesbank or OeNB series and record the value applicable to the period.
Is the basic rate the rate charged on the invoice?
First establish the statutory or contractual interest rule. The reference rate is only one component.
Does every central-bank announcement require recalculation?
Only changes relevant under the applicable rule affect the period. The statutory half-year dates matter for Austrian UGB interest.
Related topics
Sources and basis
- BGB 247
- BGB 288
- UGB 456
- OeNB: B2B-Halbjahreswerte / half-year rates
- Bundesbank: Basiszinssatz / basic interest rate
Content reviewed on 23 September 2026. Procedural information and our contractual terms are separate foundations. The individual case remains decisive.
Your next step
Prepare your documents and use the existing registration. For questions about the scope of services, visit our contact page.
Received a letter as a debtor? Please go directly to the payment portal.