How much does a lawsuit cost in Germany?
Calculate court and lawyer fees for a civil lawsuit (first instance) based on the amount in dispute — and your cost risk if you lose.
€
The economic value of the dispute — e.g. the sum claimed, unpaid wages, or three months' gross salary in unfair dismissal cases.
Before the labour court each side pays their own lawyer — even when winning (Sec. 12a ArbGG).
Your estimated litigation costs
| Court fees | |
| Your lawyer
1.3 procedural + 1.2 hearing fee, incl. expenses allowance and 19% VAT.
|
|
| Opposing lawyer |
If you win
If you lose
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The loser pays everything (Sec. 91 ZPO): court fees and both sides' lawyers. If you prevail in part, the costs are apportioned by the ratio of success.
The economic value of the dispute: the sum claimed, usually three months' gross salary in unfair dismissal cases, or the annual net rent in eviction cases. The court sets it bindingly.
In civil proceedings yes: the claim is only served once the claimant advances the court fees (3.0 fees). Before the labour court there is no court fee advance.
Those who cannot afford the costs receive state support (PKH) on application — fully or in instalments, depending on income. Important: if you lose, you may still owe the opposing lawyer's fees despite PKH.
In the first instance each side pays their own lawyer regardless of the outcome (Sec. 12a ArbGG). In return there is no court fee advance, and if the case ends in a settlement the court fees are waived entirely.
Not legal advice. Non-binding estimate based on the statutory fee tables (GKG/RVG, as of 2026) for the first instance — excluding evidence and expert costs, ancillary claims and appeals. The amount in dispute is set by the court.
