What does a civil lawsuit in Germany cost, and what do you pay if you lose? Enter the amount in dispute and see lawyer fees, court fees and your cost risk under the current RVG and GKG tables.
Not legal advice
The calculator shows the statutory fees for a typical civil case before a German local or regional court. Actual costs depend on the value the court fixes, on how the case proceeds and on any fee agreement with your lawyer. The calculation does not replace advice from a lawyer.
Usually heard by the local court (Amtsgericht, up to €10,000, § 23 GVG). No lawyer is required there.
Your expected costs
What you pay in the end
€2,668.38
after the costs decision, incl. VAT
Cost risk if you lose
€2,668.38
all costs of both sides
Other side's share
€0.00
| incurred | your share | |
|---|---|---|
| Court costs | €511.50 | €511.50 |
| Your own lawyer | €1,078.44 | €1,078.44 |
| Other side's lawyer | €1,078.44 | €1,078.44 |
| Your total costs | €2,668.38 | €2,668.38 |
Court fee advance: €511.50
As claimant you pay the 3.0 court fee up front, otherwise the claim is not served (§ 12 GKG). If the case ends more cheaply, the surplus is offset or refunded.
Same amount in dispute, different outcomes
Simple fee (1.0) at this value
First instance
Fees per lawyer
If you cannot afford the costs given your personal and financial situation, you can apply for legal aid, provided your claim or defence has reasonable prospects of success (§ 114 ZPO). It covers your own lawyer and court fees, in full or against instalments depending on income. Important: if you lose, you must still reimburse the other side's lawyer (§ 123 ZPO). Lawyers paid through legal aid receive lower fees from a value of €4,000 (§ 49 RVG); the calculator shows the regular fees.
Divorces and other family matters are charged under the FamGKG, not the GKG. There is a separate calculator for that: Divorce cost calculator
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Kaffee ausgeben ☕Planning a divorce? Calculate the costs under the FamGKG
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