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In Germany, a "Pfändung" is a legal procedure where a debtor's bank account is frozen and funds are confiscated to settle unpaid debts. This process ensures creditors can recover owed amounts through legal means.

Seizures in Germany are governed by the Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – the German Code of Civil Procedure – which outlines the account seizure process, debtor protections, and rights of enforcement.

Seizure orders are typically served to banks by judicial officers or authorized authorities. Orders can be initiated by:

• Tax authorities: the tax office can enforce tax debts directly, often without a court order
• Courts: judicial bodies can authorize seizures as part of enforcement proceedings
• Private creditors: after obtaining a court judgment, private creditors can request enforcement through judicial officers

If your account has been frozen following a seizure order in Germany, it can only be reactivated after we receive a formal release notice from the authority that issued the order. Depending on the case, this might be the local tax office, a judicial officer, or a court.

In the email we sent you to notify you of the seizure order, check the contact details for the authority that issued the order and contact them directly. Once the authority confirms the unfreezing of your account, we’ll take the necessary steps to restore your access to the funds.

If your account is subject to a seizure and you receive income — such as a salary, pension, or social benefits — into this account, a portion of your balance will remain available to you each month. This is a legally protected amount designed to ensure you can still cover essential living expenses.

In Germany, this protection is provided through a Pfändungsschutzkonto (P-Konto), or garnishment protection account. The amount can vary depending on your personal circumstances, such as the number of dependents.