Question 283 · Federal question
What do you do if you receive an incorrect invoice from a German authority?
German original (as asked in the real test)
Was tun Sie, wenn Sie eine falsche Rechnung von einer deutschen Behörde bekommen?
- A Ich lasse die Rechnung liegen.
- B Ich lege Widerspruch bei der Behörde ein. ✓ Correct answer
- C Ich schicke die Rechnung an die Behörde zurück.
- D Ich gehe mit der Rechnung zum Finanzamt.
Translation
What do you do if you receive an incorrect invoice from a German authority?
- A I ignore the invoice.
- B I file an objection with the authority. ✓ Correct answer
- C I send the invoice back to the authority.
- D I take the invoice to the tax office.
Explanation
In Germany, if an authority issues an incorrect bill or fee notice, the proper legal remedy is to file a formal objection (Widerspruch) within the stated deadline. This initiates a review by the issuing authority and is the recognized administrative procedure, unlike ignoring it, sending it back, or going to an unrelated office.
Tips
- Look for keywords like "ehörde," "escheid," "Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung," and "Widerspruch" indicating the formal objection process.
- Prioritize options that mention a legal remedy with a deadline rather than informal actions (ignoring, returning).
- Eliminate choices that involve the wrong authority (e.g., tax office for non-tax matters) or passive responses.
- Remember: administrative decisions typically include instructions on how to appeal within about one month.
Practice in the app
