Glossary · Austria and Germany
Enforcement and Exekution
Enforcement is the compulsory implementation of a claim under statutory rules. Austria commonly calls it Exekution. For money claims, it concerns authorised measures based on a suitable title and further procedural prerequisites.
Distinguish the concepts
A payment request or the start of payment-order proceedings is not a seizure. Choosing a measure depends on the title, legal options and known assets. A collection provider and a public enforcement body perform different roles; creditors cannot infer a right to take coercive measures themselves.
Jurisdiction and scope
Austria and Germany have separate rules for applications, jurisdiction, service, costs and execution. A title issued in one country does not settle every enforcement question in the other. Cross-border cases also require assessment of documents and any translations.
Illustrative business example
A titled invoice remains unpaid. The creditor checks the current balance, payments and prior enforcement attempts. Before another measure, purpose, responsibility, representation and additional costs are established. An unsuccessful attempt is a procedural event; it does not mean the debt was paid or that it is necessarily permanently worthless.
Common questions
Does every enforcement step require a new lawsuit?
An existing suitable title may permit further measures. Additional requirements or a different procedure depend on the case.
Does an application immediately produce money?
No. A measure must be lawful and practicable; actual proceeds depend in part on available assets.
How does this fit incaseof.law’s service?
Court-related software support, required representation and additional costs are handled separately under the instruction and terms.
Related topics
Sources and basis
Content reviewed on 23 September 2026. Procedural information and our contractual terms are separate foundations. The individual case remains decisive.
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