Changes to German Civil Procedure Law: What Matters in 2026

In 2026, significant amendments to German civil procedure law (Zivilprozessrecht, ZPO) entered into force, directly affecting both legal practitioners and companies involved in civil litigation. The reform aims to increase the efficiency of civil proceedings, reduce the workload of courts, and adapt procedural rules to an increasingly digital legal environment.

Below is an overview of the key changes and their practical implications.

Expanded Jurisdiction of Local Courts: Lower Thresholds, Faster Proceedings

One of the most notable changes is the increase of the monetary threshold for the jurisdiction of local courts (Amtsgerichte). Civil disputes with a value of up to EUR 10,000 now fall within the jurisdiction of the Amtsgerichte (previously: EUR 5,000).

In practice, this means:

• a larger number of commercial and private disputes will be resolved more quickly at first instance;
• easier access to justice, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises;
• lower procedural costs compared to proceedings before the Regional Courts (Landgerichte).

For companies, this can make the judicial enforcement of claims—especially in contractual, service, and supply disputes—more economically viable.

Digitalisation and the Role of Technology in Civil Proceedings

The amendments to the ZPO also reflect Germany’s continued commitment to the digitalisation of the justice system. Electronic filing and communication are becoming standard, while courts increasingly expect procedural submissions to be well structured, precise, and clearly reasoned.

Against this background, the use of legal tech solutions and AI-based tools is gaining relevance, particularly for:

• initial case assessments;
• drafting standard procedural documents;
• evaluating litigation risks.

Importantly, these developments are not intended to replace legal professionals. However, practitioners who fail to adapt to technological change risk losing efficiency and competitiveness.

Impact on Legal Practice

For lawyers and in-house counsel, the reform requires strategic adjustment:

• increased caseloads at local courts may influence forum and litigation strategy;
• high-quality, well-structured written submissions become even more critical;
• clients expect faster, more transparent, and cost-efficient dispute resolution.

At the same time, competition within the legal market is intensifying. Firms that successfully combine traditional legal expertise with procedural know-how and modern working methods will be best positioned for the future.

What the Reform Means for Businesses

For businesses, the changes to German civil procedure law are not merely a legal issue but also a strategic one. Companies should reassess:

• their approach to receivables management and debt recovery;
• the balance between out-of-court settlement and litigation;
• the economic viability of court proceedings involving mid-range claim values.

A well-designed litigation strategy under the new procedural framework can significantly reduce costs and improve the chances of success.

Conclusion

The 2026 reform of German civil procedure law marks another step toward a faster, more digital, and more pragmatic civil justice system. While it creates new opportunities for lawyers and businesses alike, it also demands flexibility and timely adaptation.

Those who understand and implement the new rules early can turn them into a genuine competitive advantage—both in litigation and in day-to-day legal advisory work.