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Widerspruch gegen einen Bescheid

Object to an official decision (Widerspruch) — template

Got a Bescheid (official decision) you think is wrong — a rejected benefit, a fee, a visa condition? Most decisions can be formally contested with a Widerspruch within ONE MONTH of receipt. Send this letter immediately to stop the clock; you can deliver detailed reasons later.

The German template

Replace everything in [square brackets] with your details.

[Vorname Nachname]
[Straße Hausnummer]
[PLZ Ort]

[Behörde]
[Adresse]

[Ort], den [Datum]

Widerspruch gegen Ihren Bescheid vom [Datum des Bescheids], Aktenzeichen: [Aktenzeichen]

Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,

hiermit lege ich fristgerecht Widerspruch gegen Ihren oben genannten Bescheid ein.

Die Begründung reiche ich in Kürze nach.

Bitte bestätigen Sie den Eingang meines Widerspruchs schriftlich.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen

[Unterschrift]
[Vorname Nachname]

What it says in English

[Your name]
[Street + number]
[Postcode City]

[Authority]
[Address]

[City], [date]

Objection to your decision of [date of the decision], reference: [file number]

Dear Sir or Madam,

I hereby lodge a formal objection (Widerspruch) against your decision referenced above, within the deadline.

I will submit the detailed reasons shortly.

Please confirm receipt of my objection in writing.

Kind regards

[Signature]
[Your name]

Before you send it

  • The deadline is usually one month from when the Bescheid reached you — the letter's Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung (appeal instructions) states it exactly.
  • You do NOT need the full reasoning to meet the deadline — file first ("Begründung folgt"), argue later.
  • Send by registered post, or hand it in and get a stamped copy. A Widerspruch is free for social-benefit decisions.
  • If the authority rejects the Widerspruch, court action (Klage) is the next step — consider advice from a Mieterverein, Sozialverband or lawyer.

Last verified 2026-07-02. Practical guidance, not legal advice — for disputes with real stakes, a Mieterverein, union or lawyer is worth it.

Need a different letter, or received one you don't understand?

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