Glossary — legal terms A-Z
Plain-language explanations of key German and Austrian legal terms — with links to matching templates.
A
Access to Files
Access to files means the right to view certain documents or records.
Additional Costs
Additional costs are extra expenses that come on top of the rent.
C
Care Level
The care level determines the support needs of individuals in need of care.
Child Benefit
Child Benefit is financial support for parents in Germany.
Citizen’s Allowance
Citizen's Allowance is financial support for people in Germany.
D
E
Employment Reference
An employment reference is a document describing an employee's performance and behavior.
Extraordinary Termination
Extraordinary termination is an immediate end to a contract without notice.
F
Familienkasse
The Familienkasse is the authority that pays child benefits.
Fine Notice
A fine notice is an official letter about a monetary penalty.
H
Holiday Pay
Holiday pay is a financial support for employees during their vacation.
Housing Benefit
Housing benefit is financial assistance for low-income tenants.
N
O
Objection (Legal Remedy)
An objection is a legal tool to challenge decisions made by authorities.
Operating Cost Statement
The operating cost statement shows the costs incurred for the apartment.
Ordinary Termination
An ordinary termination ends a contractual relationship while observing notice periods.
P
Parental Leave
Parental leave is a legal entitlement for parents to care for their children.
Payment Order
A payment order is an official document demanding payment of money.
Power of Attorney
A power of attorney allows one person to act on behalf of another.
R
Reclamation
A reclamation is a complaint about a defect or faulty service.
Rent Reduction
Rent reduction allows tenants to lower their rent if the apartment has defects.
Right of Withdrawal
The right of withdrawal allows you to cancel a contract within a specific period.
S
SCHUFA
SCHUFA is a credit agency that evaluates creditworthiness.
Sick Note
A sick note informs the employer about an employee's illness.
Special Termination Right
The special termination right allows for extraordinary cancellation under specific conditions.
T
Termination Agreement
A termination agreement ends an employment relationship by mutual consent.
Tiered Rent
Tiered rent is a rental agreement with predetermined increases.
W