A deadline (Frist) is a period of time in which you must do something. At the end of this period there is a last day. By this day, you must, for example, hand in a form, pay a bill or object to an official decision. If you miss the deadline, it can cause problems. You might lose a right, have to pay a fee or get a fine (Bußgeld).
Where you come across the word
The word appears in many letters from public offices, authorities, insurance companies and landlords. Typical situations are:
- After moving, you must register your home at the citizens' office (Bürgeramt) within a deadline. Find out more under Registering your address.
- Your residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) will expire soon. You must apply for an extension in good time before it expires. Find out more under Sorting out your residence permit.
- An office sends you an official decision (Bescheid). At the bottom there is often a notice of legal remedies (Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung). It tells you by when you can file an objection (Widerspruch).
- An office asks you to send in missing documents, for example for child benefit (Kindergeld).
- A bill or a payment reminder (Mahnung) states a payment deadline (Zahlungsfrist).
You will often read phrases like „innerhalb von zwei Wochen“ (within two weeks), „bis spätestens 15. März“ (by 15 March at the latest) or „binnen eines Monats nach Bekanntgabe“ (within one month of notification). The word „binnen“ means „innerhalb von“ (within).
What you should do
- Open the letter straight away. Some deadlines start as soon as the letter reaches you. Write down the date you received the letter. Keep the envelope too.
- Find the last day. Look in the letter for words like „Frist“ (deadline), „bis zum“ (by), „spätestens“ (at the latest) or „innerhalb von“ (within). Write the last day in your calendar.
- Act early. Don't wait until the last day. Letters sent by post take time. What usually matters is when your letter arrives at the office, not when you send it.
- Keep proof. Make a copy or take a photo of everything you hand in. For important letters, it makes sense to use registered mail (Einschreiben) or ask for a confirmation of receipt (Eingangsbestätigung).
- Ask for more time. If you can't make it, ask for an extension (Fristverlängerung) before the deadline ends. Give a reason. Not every deadline can be extended.
- Get help. If you don't understand the letter, ask an advice centre (Beratungsstelle) early. Then there is enough time left.
If a deadline ends on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, it usually only ends on the next working day. Public holidays are not the same in all federal states. If in doubt, ask the office.
Examples
- „Bitte reichen Sie die fehlenden Unterlagen innerhalb einer Frist von zwei Wochen ein.“ (Please submit the missing documents within two weeks.)
- „Gegen diesen Bescheid können Sie innerhalb eines Monats nach Bekanntgabe Widerspruch einlegen.“ (You can object to this decision within one month of notification.)
- At the office: „Die Frist ist leider abgelaufen. Sie müssen einen neuen Antrag stellen.“ (Unfortunately, the deadline has passed. You have to submit a new application.)
Related terms
- Fristablauf: The point in time when the deadline ends.
- Fristverlängerung: The office gives you more time if you ask for it in good time.
- Widerspruchsfrist: The period in which you can object to an official decision.
- Termin: A fixed appointment, for example a meeting at the office on a specific day and at a specific time.
- Stichtag: A specific date that is important for a rule.
- fristgerecht: On time, meaning within the deadline.