2552

PRESCRIPTION OF JUDGMENT DEBT

Mr. Itsariya Anontaphan

A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

for the Degree of Master of Laws Program in Laws
Faculty of Law
Chulalongkorn University
Academic Year 2009
Copyright of Chulalongkorn University

..
( . )

( )
...
( . )

( )

( . )


: . (PRESCRIPTION OF
JUDGMENT DEBT) . : .
, 270 .
2

193/32
271

193/32

271


193/32

2552


# # 5186022534 : MAJOR LAWS
KEYWORDS : PRESCRIPTION / LIMITATION / JUDGMENT / DEBT / EXECUTION
ITSARIYA ANONTAPHAN : PRESCRIPTION OF JUDGMENT DEBT. THESIS
ADVISOR : ASSOC. PROF. SANUNKORN SOTTHIBANDHU, DR JUR, 270 pp.
Due to Thai legal system having two time limits regarding the judgment debt which are the
prescription for a claim arising from final judgment under Article 193/32 of the Civil and Commercial Code
and the period applying for execution under Article 271 of the Civil Procedure Code which mentioned are
generally considered as different matters since their application and effect of law are different, i.e. beginning,
interrupting and benefit waiving, whereby the application thereof has been unclear and overlapped
especially when bringing the judgment debt to the bankruptcy proceedings or applying for a debt payment
in bankruptcy. This leads to the question whether judgment debt in which creditor has exercised the claim
while the court judgment has already been given shall be subject to the prescription, if yes, is there any
inconsistency with the period applying for execution.
This thesis has a purpose to study some legal problems concerning the prescription of judgment
debt, the problem with the application of general provisions of prescription, the inconsistency with other Thai
laws such as the Civil Procedure Law, Bankruptcy Law and the extent of interpretation and application of the
prescription for a claim arising from final judgment according to Article 193/32 of the Civil and Commercial
Code. In order to serve the purpose, the relevant principles of law in both Thai and German legal systems,
interpretation and applicability of the Supreme Court judgment were well studied and researched. Therefore,
the problems arisen are not only properly, equitably solved, but also consistent with the current Thai law.
Based on the study, it is noticed that under German legal system there is no two time limits in
connection with the judgment debt like Thai Legal system. There is only the prescription for a claim
established by a final judgment which was also adopted to be the period applied for execution. However, as
previously mentioned, Thai legal system has both the prescription indicated in substantive law, and the
period applying for execution indicated in adjective law, the author then would suggest that the types of
judgment should be a criteria differentiate the application of both time limits concerning judgment debt. In
other words, if it is an executory judgment in which creditor is not able to exercise the claim by proceeding a
civil case under the ground of double jeopardy, there should no longer be any further prescription of claim.
However, the creditor has to apply for execution of a judgment within the period under Article 271 of the Civil
Procedure Code. In contrast, if it is a case whereby the claim arise from declaratory judgment or judgment
established claim in which creditor can exercise the claim by proceeding a civil case to extending claim - it
is not considered as double jeopardy. Therefore, in the case of enforcing claims, it should be subject to the
prescription for a claim arising from final judgment pursuant to Article 193/32 of the Civil and Commercial
Code. It is worth pointing out that the interpretation and enforcement of law as stated are the effective
solutions for overcoming the legal problem. Besides, they are regarded as proper methods for applying law
and also are consistent with the current Thai law.

Field of Study : LAWS

Academic Year : 2009

Students Signature
Advisors Signature

.


()




.

.....................................................................................................
................................................................................................
......................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................

1 .........................................................................................................
1.1 ................................................
1.2 ......................................................................
1.3 .............................................................................
1.4 .........................................................................
1.5 .................................................................................
1.6 ..................................................

1.
1
7
8
8
9
9

2
..............................................................................................
2.1 .....................................
2.1.1 ............................................................
2.1.2 ...........................
2.1.3
...............................................................................
2.1.4 ....................................................................
2.1.5 ....................................................
2.1.5.1 ..........
2.1.5.2 . ......
2.1.5.2.1 . ............................

10.
11
14
18
21
26
28
29
30
31

2.1.5.2.2
. .............................................
2.1.5.2.3
. .......
2.1.5.3 . .....
2.1.5.3.1
..........................................................
. ..................
. ..........................
2.1.5.3.2 ....
2.1.5.3.3
.........................................................
2.1.5.3.4
.....................................
2.1.5.4 .................................
2.1.5.4.1 ...............................................
2.1.5.4.2 .............................................
2.1.6 ................................................
2.1.7 ...........................................................
2.1.8 ...................................................
2.2 .........................................
2.2.1 ...................................................................
2.2.2 ..................................................................
2.2.2.1 .........................
2.2.2.2 .............................
2.3 .......................
2.3.1 .................................................
2.3.2 ............................................
2.4 ..........................

31
32
33
33
34
37
38
39
39
43
46
47
50
51
53
54
55
56
56
58
66
68
76
81

2.4.1
271................................................................... 84
2.4.2 .................................... 90
2.4.3 ................................ 94
3 ...
3.1 .......................................................
3.1.1 ............................................................
3.1.2 ...........................
3.1.3
.........................................................................
3.1.4 ....................................................................
3.1.5 ...............................................................
3.1.5.1 ........................................
3.1.5.2 ........................................
3.1.5.2.1 ....................................
3.1.5.2.2 .............................
3.1.5.3 ............................................
3.1.5.3.1 ...............................................
3.1.5.3.2 .............................................
3.1.6 ................................................
3.1.7 ...........................................................
3.1.8 ...................................................
3.2 ........................................
3.2.1 ...................................................................
3.2.2 .................................................................
3.2.3 ...........................................................
3.3 ......................
3.3.1 .......................................................

98.
99
101
103
104
107
108
110
114
115
116
116
117
118
118
119
121
122
124
125
127
129
129

3.3.2 ............................................ 131

3.4 ......................... 133
4
....................
4.1
.................................................
4.1.1 ......................
4.1.2 ......................
4.1.3 .......................
4.1.3.1 ........................
4.1.3.2
...............................................
4.1.3.3
.......
4.1.3.4
........
4.1.4
.....................................................................................
4.1.4.1
. ................................................
4.1.4.1.1
.........................................................
4.1.4.1.2
......................................
4.1.4.1.3 .................
4.1.4.2
. ................................................
4.1.4.2.1

139.
140
141
145
147
148
152
155
159
160
160
161
165
167
170
171

4.1.4.2.2
........................................................
4.1.4.2.3
4.1.4.3
.............................................................
4.1.4.3.1
.......................................
4.1.4.3.2
...........................................
4.1.5
.....................................................................................
4.2
........................................................................
4.2.1

4.2.1.1
..........................................
4.2.1.2
.........................
4.2.1.3
...........................................
4.2.1.3.1 ........................
4.2.1.3.2 ..............................
4.2.2
...........................................................................
4.2.2.1 ..
4.2.2.2
.......................................................................

176
179
181
182
183
185
188
188
190
194
196
197
202
205
206
212

4.3

193/32........................................................................ 216
5 .......................................................................... 232.
5.1 ................................................................................................ 232
5.2 ........................................................................................ 240
.......................................................................................................... 247.
................................................................................................................. 252.
. German Civil Code (BGB) Book 1 Section 5: Limitation...................... 253
. 1 ..
2535 193/14 193/32............................................... 263
....................................................................................... 270.

1
................................................................... 189
2
.................................................................................... 227
3
................................................................................ 246

1 ..2535

,,

147

,,

,,

,,

Declaratory Judgment

,,

193/14(2)

,,

..2483

,,

271

,,

1.1

















2

2


10
5

10
15

271
()
(
) 10

193/32

3

10

2 271

193/32
10

271

942/2538 .
17 2521 10
17 2521 271
12 2521 2
3 13 2521
10 2530
10

4


271

193/32

5035/2541

4
271

10
193/32 10


..2483
193/14(2)
1
500,000 2 3
50,000

..2483 8(5)
14

5596/2543, 7412/2543, 3017/2544,
6928/2544, 7104/2545, 5119/2549
10 193/32

5





193/12


193/15 2




6


2

193/32
1 .. 2535

168()
193/32

193/32



193/32






2540

7









1.2
1.

2.


3.

4.


5.

8
1.3

193/32

1.4

271 10
193/32
10

271

9
1.5
(Documentary Research)

1.6
1.

2.

3.

4.

10

1

55
2






10 271

..2483


10
193/32

11

2.1

2 (The
Common Law System)
(The Codified Law System)

12





..127
(..2451) 1

, ,
(: , 2550), 37-47.

13

2







11 ..2468
1 2

2

3

( 11) ..
2535 8 ..2535



2

, , 7 (:
, 2551), 231-237.

..2485
11 2506 87
3
, , 151.

14





1 6 2 1
2 193/9 193/35
6



6


4



2.1.1

193/9

, 1 ,
2 (: , 2515), 420.

15


.

5





6

() , -, 13 (:
, 2551), 219.
6
, ,
10 (: , 2551), 566-567.

16
7
..
2535 163 ()

193/9

Claim
(Right) 8



9
7

, 1-2 1-240 (:
, 2509), 591.

163 ()

8
,
1 (: , 2534), 417.
9
... , 1 ( 12) (: , 2527), 242.

17
10

1336





11
12


13 ( 344/2531)


2.1.6


4

10

,
(: , 2515), 231.
11
... , 1 ( 12), 243.
12
, 1 , 423.
13
, ,
567.

18
2.1.2

...

(Interest rei publicae ut finis sit litem)

(Lex non subvenit dormientibus)

14

5 15


14

... , 1 ( 12), 238-239.

15
, , 4 (:
, 2548), 675-677.

19

20

21
2.1.3

16 2 3
2 5 10 193/30 193/35
193/32

193/32
10

193/32


168 ()

1 .. 2530



17

16

() , -, 222.
168 ()

17
,
1, 467.

22

2 18
.

2
3958/2534

18

, , 269-

270.

3958/2534 . .
10

23

193/3219
10


2
10 20
21
22

147

193/32
19

, ,
7 (: , 2551), 144.
20
, 1 ,
470.
21
, , 267.
22
() , -, 226.

147




132

24
730/2538
193/32

271 193/32

148

23
( 2084-2085/2523, 2278/2526
6109/2550 )

148

(1)
(2)

(3)

23

, ,

143.

1765/2531, 3839/2535, 1067/2539, 1503/2539,

5893/2539, 2317/2540, 3351/2540, 7268/2540, 2649/2541, 3945/2541, 5035/2541, 1818/2543,
4937/2543, 7412/2543, 3017/2544, 6928/2544, 7104/2545 5119/2549

25
( 3958/2534, 2317/2540, 3945/2541,
7412/2543, 7104/2545 1679/2551 )

24
51 3


10
51 3
193/32 ( 1046/2497, 2596/2520, 1898/2522, 481/2523,
1938/2523, 2615/2523 1818/2541 )

193/32

148

24

, ,

603.

51 3

193/32

26


4
2.1.4





1


25

193/12

25

662.

, ,

27

26


27
.
203



.



28
.




40-50

26

, 1-2 1-240, 622.

, , 749.
28
,
(: , 2515), 345.
27

28

29

193/12


193/15 2
2.1.5.4
4
2.1.5

193/14
2



29

... , 1 ( 12), 250-251.

193/14
(1)

(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)

29


2.1.5.1

...












30

31

30
31

185.

, 253.
, ,

30
2.1.5.2

193/14(1)

32


33
193/14(1) 3

32

, ,

632.
33

, , (
, 2531), 22-23.

31
2.1.5.2.1



34

( 293-294/2511 .)



35
193/16
2.1.5.2.2

34

, ,
632-633.
35
, ,
186.

193/16

32



( 2/2477)
328 36

2.1.5.2.3

36

, , 765.

33

(
679/2514 .)

37




193/14(1)

4
2.1.5.3


193/14
(2)-(4)
2.1.5.3.1

193/14(2)
2

37

, 770-771.

34

38
.





39
...
1,000 100 10
4 5








55

55

38

, 775.
39
, , 290.

35

40


148 41



605/2491






42

14843

40

, ,
642-643.
41
, ,
201.
42
, , 291.
43
... , 1 ( 12), 256.

36
192/2485




173
( 193/14(2) ) 173 ( 193/14(2)
)
181 ( 193/15 ) 1

1298/2497





173, 175 181 (
193/14(2), 193/15 ) 34

205/2523

37


10
51 3 193/32
44 ( 1046/2497)




( 1/2514)
10

.. 2483
193/14(2) ( 1503/2539)
193/14(2)

.



45
46

44

, , 292.
, 293.
46
, ,
202.
45

38






10
51 3 193/32
10
193/14(2) 47


193/32

2.1.5.3.2

193/14(3)

2
.. 2483 91

47

, , 293.

39
48

2.1.5.3.3





49
193/14(3)

210
221 .. 2530

193/14(2)
50
2.1.5.3.4

48

, ,

206.
49
50

649.

, 208.
, ,

40

193/14(2) (4)
193/14(5)
(2)-(4)


329/2480

173 ( 193/14(5) )
987/2485
1 173
( 193/14(5) )
1871/2534

173 ( 193/14(5) )
119 2

586/2544
2526 2527

12

41

193/14(5)
30
26 2530 30 26
2530
6451/2550 12

193/14(5)

193/14(5) 2
1765/2531
27 2516 11
2516

21 2517
11 2516 21 2517


21 2517 173 ( 193/14(5) )
21 2517
( 2278/2526
2567/2533)

42
4604/2542

10 193/32
193/14

193/14(5)
10
( 5344/2536, 800/2537, 942/2538
., 2317/2540, 6176/2540, 1818/2543, 5596/2543 1679/2551)




10 271




4

193/14 1)
2)
3) 4)

43
2.1.5.4

193/15

7
193/14(1) 7





( 679/2514 .)




6
172
181 (
1896/2493 )

44

1754 1

10 ( 1156/2511)
1754 1


51

52






193/15

1
..2535 175


53
51

, ,

218.
52

, ,

659.
53

,
1, 428-429.

45

()
173 ( 193/14(2) )
175
2

173 175

175









193/15


193/15 2

175()
193/12

46
193/32 10

193/15

193/15

10

4

2.1.5.4.1

295

295 292 294

47

295 254


193/14(1)

295

55
2.1.5.4.2

54

, , 56.
, ,
659-660.
55

48



274
(
4783/2543)


10 193/30 ( 4544/2532)
10
694
10
2 193/34(6) 2
56

692

57

( 1438/2540)

56

, (:
, 2550), 79-80.
57
, , 58.

49

193/14(1)




( 7/2550)
10



193/14(2)(5)

( 2667/2543)





4

2667/2543
10
.

193/14(2) .
692
10

50
2.1.6


193/9

193/29




58



. ( 193/10)

( 193/28)
. ( 193/25)
.
( 193/26)
.
(
193/27)

58

673.

, ,

51
2.1.7


193/11



151

59
(
1583/2511)
191 ( 193/11 ) ( 573/2509)
60
193/24

142(5)

151

59
() , -, 222.
60
, ,
568-569.

142

(5)

52
193/29

61

62

63
. ( 193/17 2)
. ( 193/17
2)
.

( 193/18)
. (
193/19)
.
( 193/20)
.
( 193/21)
61

, 692.
() , -, 239.
63
, ,
663-664.
62

53
. ( 193/22)
. ( 193/23)

2.1.8



193/24


193/24

54


23764




4

193/32

193/14(2)



193/32
2.2


55


64

, 683.

55
2








2

2.2.1
(Corecive Judgment)
(Executory Judgment)

100

56
2.2.2
(Declaratory Judgment)




65


55


2.2.2.1
55 2

66
67
65

, ,
(
, 2540), 53.
66
, ( 1 3),
10 (: , 2551), 9.
67
, (:
, 2518), 261.

57

68 188

55 188

68

, 262.

188
(1)
(2)
(3)

()
()

(4)

58
1537/2514
1195

109/2506
259 20

20 2493
10



1382
78
188(1)

55

2.2.2.2

59

148

192/2485




173 ( 193/14(2)
)

205/2523
14


24

14

60



17 10 30 6
9 27 24
7 18
4 29

7 18 24
25

157

61
3040/2548







12 2537
15 2538

1298/2497





173,175 181 ( 193/14(2), 193/15 )
34

62
1939/2545 .






148








()




3261/2537

3261/2537

63
271



148
148

69


148









193/14(2)

69

289.

, . 1 (: , 2551),

64

55

(Declaratory
Judgment) 2


128/2468
. 2,400
. .

.

256/2504

65

55




128/2468

55


70 Declaratory Judgment

2



193/14(2)

70

, , 294.

66
2
2

4
2.3

..2483

(pari passu) 71

71

, , 12
(: , 2551), 13.

67
72




73
(
1823/1516, 71/2522 9237/2539 )

193/29

72

, (: ,
2546), 1-7.
73
, , 7 (:
, 2549), 17-18.

71/2522


14
..2483

94(1)
14

68
2.3.1
..2483
7 9 10

14

9
(1)
(2)


(3)

10 9

(1)

(2)

69
14
9 10





8

74

74

, 1
(: , 2551), 19.

70
( 177/2531, 3210/2532)

14
9 10
9 10




71/2522
2

71


2 10
193/32
10
271




271
482/2536, 942/2538 ., 1022/2538, 3581/2538, 4229/2539, 5494/2539, 6176/2540,
7258/2540, 198/2541, 2900/2543, 586/2544 5391/2548

10
193/32

271
2084-2085/2523, 2278/2526, 1765/2531, 3839/2535, 1067/2539, 1503/2539, 5893/2539,
2317/2540, 3351/2540, 7268/2540, 2649/2541, 3945/2541, 5035/2541, 1818/2543,
4937/2543, 7412/2543, 3017/2544, 6928/2544, 7104/2545, 5119/2549 6109/2550

193/32
271 2567/2533,
2764/2536, 471/2542, 5596/2543 6983/2544

72

()

271 482/2536
5494/2539
10

193/14(2) 10
( 3944/2541)
4 (
5035/2541)75
( )

10
193/32
10
271 ( 3017/2544, 6928/2544, 7104/2545, 1980/2549
2900/2543 )76

9 10
( 482/2536, 5494/2539)


( 4229/2539, 2900/2543)

75

, , 46-47.
, 4
(: , 2552), 67-68.
76

73

( 942/2538 .)

( 3944/2541, 7412/2543)77

10
193/32

10
193/32 ( 5035/2541, 5596/2543,
7412/2543) 271
10

271
10
10

( 6176/2540, 4604/2542)
10
193/14(2) ( 5035/2541)

( 3945/2541, 5596/2543)78
.

77

, , 6 (: ..., 2552),
43-59.
78
, (: , 2552), 2024.

74
193/32
271
10
10 271

271

193/32 10
271 10
193/14(2)
79
10
271

10
193/32 ( 168 )
271

942/2538
79

, 1,

39-40.

942/2538 .
17 2521 17 2521
271 12
2521 2 3 13 2521
10 2530


( 2/2537)

75
10
80

942/2538 .
193/32 271
168 193/32
10
271
10



168 193/32



271

..2483 14
9 10


9
10

80

, , 44,3 (- 2540): 231-232.

76
9 10

193/32
9 10
271
14

71/2522


4
2.3.2

.. 2483
27


4 1

91

77

94

(1)

(2)



2
91 2
92 93



2.3.1 14
94(1)
()

538 653

( 409/2511)

78
(
164/2536)81

( 997/2510) (
103/2536) (
2317/2540) 82


271


94(1)83
.

2,000 (
2288/2523, 1125/2524)
193/10
193/29



193/29
94(1) (

81

, , 232.
, , 179-180.
83
, , , 44,3: 232.
82

79
71/2522, 5355/2530, 3960/2546)
271

( 1615/2534, 9275/2542)84

94(1) (
41/2525) ( 3180/2532, 103/2536)
( 164/2536) (
1252/2530)

10 193/32

193/14(2)

1615/2534


275,276
10
271
10

... 94(1)
84
, 1,
191-197.

80
94(1) (
3945/2541, 5596/2543, 7412/2543 3017/2544)85



271 ( 1615/2534, 2649/2541,
9275/2542 150/2543)
193/32 ( 2084-2085/2523, 3958/2534, 2317/2540, 3945/2541,
7412/2543, 7104/2545 1679/2551) (
1506/2542)


193/32

3945/2541 30
2528
10 31 2528
193/32
29 2538 10
193/32
8 2538 10
271

.. 2483 94(1)
85
, , 177-184.

81






4

4


10

271

2.4

..127

82



..113 (..2437)
..115 (..2439)

..127
86
..127


20
..115
..115
..113


..115

..127 1 ..2452

..127


145

86

, , 80-82.

83





87



..113 ..127

..2441
..2478

15 ..
2478 1 ..2478 88

4 2
271 323

87

, 182.
88
, 110-112.

84

271



2.4.1
271

10 271
271 (
)
()
10

..127
76

271

85
89 10
..127
..115

271

()
()




90
91
.
.

.
57(1) 57(2)
.
.

89

, 4
, (: , 2521),
310-311.
90
,
(: , 2550), 130-133.
91
, 4 (:
, 2549), 93.

86








10
271
10 271


..127 76
10 92
..127 76( )
271
168 ( 193/32 )
10 93
94

92

,
2 , (: , 2475), 305.
93
, 1-2 1-240, 617618.
94
, 4
, 386.

87
(
3839/2535)
271
10
95



233 ( 8325/2544)

(
368/2532)

96

(
7190/2538) ( 5323/2542)

3839/2535 10
271
95
, , , 44,3: 231.
96
, , 146.

7190/2538 271
10

271

88
( 2900/2543)
(
728/2482)

1 97

193/12

5323/2542 271
10

193/24

2900/2543
271


10

728/2482

271

97
, 4
, 72-73.

89
275-278 10
98

10
10 10

10

10

10
271

10


99

98

, , 146.
, (:
, 2533), 139.
99

90
193/29

142(5)100


10
271

2.4.2

271










100

, 4
, 74.

91

169()
101

102


147

800/2537, 8759/2538, 7190/2538,1699/2549 4906/2549
101

, 4
, 2 (: ,
2516), 103-105.
102
, , 136.

800/2537 271
10
10



30 2524
10
1 2524
14

92
10
271
( )
271


145
231







2534 271

8759/2538
271
30 2526 31 2526
147

7190/2538 271
10




271

193/12

93
10

10
103

10



271 104
1279/2510
10
271

10
.. 2505 .. 2508

328 2502

258/2542

103

, 4
, 76-77.
104
, ,
160.

94
48,000 800 25
2529 25
25 2534
25 2530
26 2530
1 2540 10
271

271
271

271

4
2.4.3


193/11


23

23

95

23
23

10 271

105

23 271
271


10

10
10 271

23


10

105
, 4
, 107.

96

23106

23
2278/2526 3077-3078/2550

106

, ,

141-143.

2278/2526 10 271
23
191 (
193/11 )

3077-3078/2550 10
271


23 3 2537
1
2546 23 2546 19 2546 10
8 2547
8 13 2548
2 2533

8



274

97

107


23
23
10


10
271

193/32
Civil Law

107

, 4
, 72.

98

Civil Law
Common Law
Civil Law
Civil Law



1



Common Law
193/32

99
218( )
197

3.1


Civil Law
longi temporis
praescriptio
prescription1
2

Ernest J. Schuster, The principle of German civil law, (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1907), p.

, , 42,1 (-

129.
2538): 18.

100
1. Acquisitive Prescription

2. Extinctive Prescription

3. Adjectival Prescription

Adjective Prescription

Extinctive Prescription

3


4

5
BGB
194-218 1 (General Part) 5
(Prescription Limitation) ..2002

Reinhard Zimmermann, Comparative Foundation of European Law of Set-off and

Prescription (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2002), p. 69.
4
, , , 42,1: 16.
5
E. J. Cohn, Manual of German Law Volume I, 2nd edition (London: The British Institute of
International and Comparative Law, 1968), p. 89.

101
3.1.1

2 (strong approach)

(weak approach)
6
214




7

194

Reinhard Zimmermann, Comparative Foundation of European Law of Set-off and

Prescription, p. 72.

214
(1) When limitation occurs, the obligor is entitled to refuse performance his obligation.
(2) Performance made in satisfaction of a claim that has become time-barred may not be
reclaimed, even if performance made without knowledge of the time-bar. The same applies to an
acknowledgement made in accordance with a contract and to a security given by the obligor.
7
Ibids., p. 73.

194
The right to require another person to do or to refrain from doing an act (a claim) is subject
to limitation.
Claims based on a relationship governed by family law are not subject to limitation in so far
as they are directed at establishing, for the future, a situation appropriate for the relationship.

102


Claim
2

(Rights)
8
. (Economic rights)
(1)


(2)

(3)
Anspruche

. (Family rights)


. (Personal rights)


194 Anspruche

E. J. Cohn, Manual of German Law Volume I, p. 70.

103
(3) 9

3.1.2


(Interest rei publicae ut sit finis litium)

10

Ibids., p. 89.
Reinhard Zimmermann, Comparative Foundation of European Law of Set-off and
Prescription, pp. 62-65.
10

104
3.1.3

2 4 30 30
30
195() 11
218
() 30


2

4 197 ()

195 ()
The regular period of prescription is thirty years
11
Ernest J. Schuster, The principle of German civil law, p. 181.

218 ()
A claim established by a non-appealable judgment is barred by prescription in thirty years,
even if it itself subject to a shorter period of prescript. The same rule applies to a claim arising from
an executory compromise or an executory deed and to a claim becoming executory through
settlement in bankruptcy proceedings.
In so, far as the settlement relates to periodical payments becoming due any in the future,
the shorter period of prescription is sufficient.

197 ()
the period of prescription is four years for claims to arrears of interest, including the sums payable in
addition to interest for the purpose of paying off the principal by installments and all other periodical
payment.

105

(the Principles of
European Contract Law)

3
3 195

30 218
() 197 (3)-(5)

30

195
the standard limitation period is three years.

197

Save in so far as otherwise provided, the limitation period is 30 years in the case of:
(1) claims for surrender based on property or other rights in rem,
(2) claims under family law or the law of succession,
(3) claims that have been declared final and absolute,
(4) claims based on enforceable settlements or enforceable documents and
(5) claims that have become enforceable by virtue of having been established in insolvency
proceedings.
(6) claims to reimbursement of the costs of execution.
In so far as claims under subsection (1), No 2, concern the performance of regularly
recurring obligations or maintenance obligations and in so far as claims under subsection 1, No 3 to
5, concern regularly recurring obligations that will fall due in the future, the standard limitation period
applies instead of the period of 30 years.

106
3
2




30

12
197


13

12

Reinhard Zimmermann, Comparative Foundation of European Law of Set-off and

Prescription, pp. 112-114.
13
Ibids., p. 125.

107
3.1.4

199 201

3
199


198()

(the Principles of European Contract Law)

201

199

The standard limitation period begins upon the expiry of the year in which:
(1) the claim has arisen, and
(2) the obligee becomes aware of the circumstances giving rise to the claim and of the
identity of the obligor or ought to have become aware of those matters but for his gross negligence.

198()
Prescription begins to run from the moment when the claim comes into being. If the claim is
to a forbearance, the prescription begins to run from the moment when the right is first contravened.

201

108
197(3)-(5)

14

3.1.5

2
(Interruption) (Suspension)15


(Acknowledged)
208()

The limitation period for claims of the type referred to in 197 Nos. 3 to 5, begins on the
date when the decision becomes final and absolute, the enforceable title is created or the claim is
established in the insolvency proceedings but not, however, before the claim arises. 199 (5)
applies mutatis mutandis.
14
Ibids., p. 116.
15
E. J. Cohn, Manual of German Law Volume I, p. 90.

208 ()

109
(Bring an action)
209()



16

Prescription is interrupted if the person bound acknowledges the claim towards the person
entitled by partial payment, payment of interest, giving of surety, or in any other manner.

209 ()
Prescription is interrupted if the oblige brings an action for satisfaction, or for
acknowledgement of the claim, for award of an order for execution, or for issue of a judicial decree
for the enforcement of a foreign judgment.
The following are equivalent to bringing an action:
(1) The service of an order for payment in hortatory process;
(2) The presentation of the claim in bankruptcy proceedings;
(3) The pleading of set-off to the claim in legal process;
(4) The notice of intention to contest the process upon the result of which the claim
depends;
The institution of proceeding in execution, and where the compulsory execution is in the
hands of the Courts or other public authorities, the presentation of application for compulsory
execution.
16
Ernest J. Schuster, The principle of German civil law, pp. 132-134.

110
3.1.5.1
(Suspension)

203 206

204

204
The limitation period is suspended by:
(1) the bringing of an action for performance or for a declaration of the existence of a claim,
for the grant of an execution clause or for the issue of an order for execution,
(2) the service of an application in the simplified procedure for the maintenance of minors,
(3) the service of a demand for payment in summary proceedings for recovery of debt,
(4) arranging for notice to be given of an application for conciliation filed with a conciliation
body established or recognised by the Land justice administration authority or, if the parties seek
conciliation in mutual agreement, with any other conciliation body which settles disputes; if notice is
arranged to be given shortly after the filing of the application, the limitation period is suspended
immediately once the application is filed,
(5) the assertion of a set-off of a claim in a legal action,
(6) the service of a third-party notice,
(7) the service of an application for evidence to be taken in independent proceedings,
(8) the beginning of agreed expert opinion proceedings or the commissioning of an expert
in the proceedings under section 641a,

111
(Judicial Proceeding)
(1) (Bring an action)

(Interruption) 209()
(Suspension)

(9) the service of an application for an attachment order, an interim injunction or an interim
order, or, if the application is not served, the filing of the application if the order for attachment, the
interim injunction or the interim order is served on the obligor within one month of its being
pronounced or of its service on the obligee,
(10) the filing of a claim in insolvency proceedings or in proceedings for the distribution of
assets under maritime law,
(11) the beginning of arbitration proceedings,
(12) the filing of an application with a public authority, if the admissibility of the action
depends on a preliminary decision by this authority and the action is brought within three months
after the application has been disposed of; this applies with the necessary modifications to
applications required to be made to a court or a conciliation body referred to in no. 4 above, whose
admissibility is subject to a preliminary decision by an authority,
(13) the filing of an application with the higher court, if the higher court must decide upon the
court with jurisdiction over the claim and the action is brought within three months after the
application has been disposed of, or the application for which a decision on jurisdiction is necessary
is filed, and
(14) arranging for notice to be given of the first application for the grant of legal aid; if notice
is arranged shortly after the filing of the application, the suspension of the limitation period takes
effect immediately when the application is filed.
Suspension under subsection 1 above ends six months after the final and absolute decision
in the proceedings commenced, or after they end in another way. If the proceedings come to a
standstill because the parties do not prosecute them, the date of the last act in the proceedings by
the parties, the court or other body responsible for the proceedings takes the place of the date when
the proceedings end. Suspension commences again if one of the parties continues the
proceedings.

112

17


3.1.2



3

. (Cease to run)
. (Interruption)
. (Suspension)

(without a decision on the merits of the claim)

17

Reinhard Zimmermann, Comparative Foundation of European Law of Set-off and

Prescription, pp. 117-123.

113

(without a decision on the merits of the claim)

3.1.3

(without a decision on the merits of the claim)




6

114

(Bring an action)
204


209

18


30 197(3)
201

3.1.5.2



interruption temporis
(Interruption)
Renewal19

209
A period in which limitation is suspended is not included in the calculation of the limitation
period.
18

Ibids., p. 123.
19
Ibids., p. 125.

115

212


3.1.5.2.1
(Acknowledgement)
212(1)

20

212
The limitation period begins anew if
(1) the obligor acknowledges the claim to the obligee by part payment, payment of interest,
the granting of security or in some other way, or
(2) a judicial or official act of execution is performed or applied for.
The new beginning of the limitation period as a result of an act of execution is deemed not to
have occurred if the act is annulled upon application by the obligee or because of a failure to fulfill
the statutory requirements.
The new beginning of the limitation period as a result of an application for an act of
execution is deemed not to have occurred if the application is not granted or is withdrawn before the
act or the completed act is annulled in accordance with subsection 2 above.
20
Ibids., pp. 126-128.

116
3.1.5.2.2
(Acts of execution)

212(2)

30






() 21

2
212
3.1.5.3

()

209

21

Ibids., p. 126.

117
212

3.1.5.3.1

(Suspension) (Renewal)
425
422424 (
)

425

Facts other than those cited in sections 422 to 424 are only effective, unless the obligation
leads to a different conclusion, for and against the joint and several debtor personally affected by
them.
This applies in particular, without limitation, to notice of termination, to default, to fault, to
impossibility of performance in the person of a joint and several debtor, to limitation and to the new
beginning, suspension and suspension of expiry of a period of limitation, to the merger of the claim
with the debt and to a final and absolute judgment.

118
3.1.5.3.2






3.1.6



214



22

214
(1) When limitation occurs, the obligor is entitled to refuse performance his obligation.
(2) Performance made in satisfaction of a claim that has become time-barred may not be
reclaimed, even if performance made without knowledge of the time-bar. The same applies to an
acknowledgement made in accordance with a contract and to a security given by the obligor.
22
Ibids., pp. 154-155.

119


23
216

24
217
3.1.7

25 225()
23

Ernest J. Schuster, The principle of German civil law, p. 130.

216

The limitation of a claim for which a mortgage, ship mortgage or security right exists does
not prevent the obligee from seeking satisfaction of his claim from the object encumbered.
If a right has been procured for the purpose of securing a claim, the retransfer of the right
may not be demanded on the basis of the limitation of the claim. If title has been retained, the right to
withdraw from the contract may be exercised even if the secured claim is statute-barred.
Subsections 1 and 2 above do not apply to the limitation of claims for interest and other
recurring obligations.
24

Ibids., p. 130.

217
A claim for collateral performance dependent on the main claim becomes statute-barred at
the same time as the main claim, even if the specific limitation period applying to the claim for
collateral performance has not ended.
25
Ibids., p. 130.

120

26
202



30
202
30 3

(Freedom of Contract)

30 27

225()
Prescription may neither be excluded nor made mare onerous by juristic act. Prescription
may be facilitated, especially by shortening the period of prescription.
26
Zimmermann Reinhard, Comparative Foundation of European Law of Set-off and
Prescription, pp. 166-167.

202

In the case of liability for intention, the limitation period may not be relaxed in advance by
legal transaction.
The limitation period may not be extended by legal transaction beyond a period of thirty
years from the beginning of the statutory limitation period.
27
Ibids., pp. 164-166.

121

210 211

28
6

3.1.8

Waiver29

(Good

210

If a person incapable of contracting or with limited capacity to contract has no legal

representative, a limitation period to his benefit or detriment does not end until the expiry of six
months after the time when the person acquires unlimited capacity to contract or the lack of
representation is remedied. If the limitation period is shorter than six months, the period specified for
limitation takes the place of the period of six months.
Subsection 1 does not apply to the extent that a person with limited capacity to contract is
capable of suing and being sued.
211
A claim that is part of or directed against an estate does not become statute-barred until at
least six months have passed from the time when the inheritance is accepted by the heir or when
insolvency proceedings in respect of the estate are commenced or when the claim can be asserted
by or against an agent. If the limitation period is shorter than six months, the period specified for
limitation takes the place of the period of six months.
28
Ibids., p. 168.
29
Ibids., p. 155.

122
Faith)





30


(BGB)

3.2

(Judgments on merits)
(Procedural judgments)

30

Ibids., pp. 155-156.

123
31

(Action Klage)




(Rechtsschutzinteresse)

(Pre-requisite)

(Rechtsschutz)
3

32
33

31

E. J. Cohn, Manual of German Law Volume II, 2nd edition (London: The British Institute of
International and Comparative Law, 1971), pp. 211-213.
32
Harold Koch and Frank Diedrich, Germany, International Encyclopaedia of Law (Civil
Procedure) 1 (1997): 87.
33
, , 2
(: , 2552), 212-222.

124
3.2.1 (Leistungsurteile)
(Actions for
performance Leistungsklage) 34
(Anspruch)





100,000
100,000

100,000

(Act of execution)
35
(Vollstrekungstitel)

2

34

E. J. Cohn, Manual of German Law Volume II, p. 198.

Harold Koch and Frank Diedrich, Germany, International Encyclopaedia of Law (Civil
Procedure) 1 (1997): 91.
35

125
3.2.2 (Feststellungsurteile)
(Actions for a
declaration Feststellungsklagen )36



256

36

E. J. Cohn, Manual of German Law Volume II, p. 198.

(ZPO) 256
In determining the existence or absence of a legal relationship, for recognition of a
certificate or a declaration of its falsity action may be brought if the plaintiff has a legal interest in
ensuring that established the legal relationship or the veracity or falsity of the certificate by judicial
decision.
Until those final hearing, the decision is given, the applicant may request, by enlarging the
head of claim, the defendant by filing of a counterclaim that during the dispute process has become
legal relationship, whose existence or absence of the decision of the dispute wholly or partly
dependent, to be censured by judicial decision.

126



(Actions for performance) 37





(valid contract)38

39


(Rechtsfolge)
37

Harold Koch and Frank Diedrich, Germany, International Encyclopaedia of Law (Civil
Procedure) 1 (1997): 73.
38
Ibids., p. 73.
39
E. J. Cohn, Manual of German Law Volume II, p. 212.

127

3.2.3 (Gestaltungsurteile)

(Actions for modification of rights Gestaltungsklagen)40

(Rechtsschutz)

40

Ibids., p. 199.

128

Res Judicata Materielle Rechtskraft41


42

30

(Gestaltungsurteile)
43

41

Ibids., p. 213.
Harold Koch and Frank Diedrich, Germany, International Encyclopaedia of Law (Civil
Procedure) 1 (1997): 89.
43
E. J. Cohn, Manual of German Law Volume II, pp. 217-218.
42

129
3.3

Insolvency Statute Insolvenzordnung (InsO)

InsO 1

44

2

3.3.1

13

Insolvency Statute (InsO) 1

The insolvency proceedings shall serve the purpose of collective satisfaction of a debtor's
creditors by liquidation of the debtor's assets and by distribution of the proceeds, or by reaching an
arrangement in an insolvency plan, particularly in order to maintain the enterprise. Honest debtors
shall be given the opportunity to achieve discharge of residual debt.
44
European Judicial Network in civil and commercial matters, Bankruptcy Germany
[Online], 2 February 2010. Available from www.ec.europa.eu/civiljustice/brankruptcy/brankruptcy_
ger_en.htm

Insolvency Statute (InsO) 13

Insolvency proceedings shall be opened on request only. Such request may be filed by the
creditors and by the debtor.

130
14
/

17
19

20

(Insolvency administrator) 27

Insolvency Statute (InsO) 14

A creditor's request shall be admissible if he has a legal interest in the opening of the
insolvency proceedings and shows his claim, and the reason why insolvency proceedings should be
opened, to the satisfaction of the court.

Insolvency Statute (InsO) 17

Illiquidity shall be the general reason to open insolvency proceedings.

The debtor shall be deemed illiquid if he is unable to meet his mature obligations to pay.
Illiquidity shall be presumed as a rule if the debtor has stopped payments.

Insolvency Statute (InsO) 19

Overindebtedness shall be also a reason to open insolvency proceedings for a corporation.

Overindebtedness shall exist if the assets owned by the debtor no longer cover his existing
obligations to pay. In the assessment of the debtor's assets, however, the continuation of the
enterprise shall be taken as a basis if according to the circumstances such continuation is deemed
highly likely.

Insolvency Statute (InsO) 20

If the request to open insolvency proceedings is admissible the debtor shall disclose to the
insolvency court such information as is necessary for a decision on the request.

Insolvency Statute (InsO) 27

If insolvency proceedings are opened the insolvency court shall designate an insolvency
administrator.

131

80

3.3.2
Insolvenzordnung




28

Insolvency Statute (InsO) 80

Upon the opening of the insolvency proceedings the debtor's right to manage and transfer
the assets involved in the insolvency proceedings shall be vested in the insolvency administrator.

Insolvency Statute (InsO) 28

132
2 3
174


45

178

183

In the order opening the insolvency proceedings the creditors shall be required to file their
claims in compliance with section 174 with the insolvency administrator within a definite period of
time. Such period of time shall be fixed to extend over not less than two weeks and not more than
three months.

Insolvency Statute (InsO) 174

The claim of a creditor of the insolvency proceedings must be filed in writing with the
insolvency administrator. Such filing shall be accompanied by copies of the documents evidencing
the claim.
45
European Judicial Network in civil and commercial matters, Bankruptcy Germany
[Online], 2 February 2010. Available from www.ec.europa.eu/civiljustice/brankruptcy/brankruptcy_
ger_en.htm

Insolvency Statute (InsO) 178

For claims determined with their amount and rank, entry into the schedule shall have the
legal effect of a final judgment with respect to the insolvency administrator and all creditors of the
insolvency proceedings.

Insolvency Statute (InsO) 183

133

3.4

2

(German Code of Civil Procedure

Zivilprozessordnung ZPO) 8 (Enforcement
Zwangsvollstreckung) 704-945
A decision with final and binding effect determining a claim or sustaining an objection shall
be effective with respect to the insolvency administrator and all creditors of the insolvency
proceedings.

134



(The Baillffs)


46

(Adversary Procedure)
47
2 48

3
49



46

Harold Koch and Frank Diedrich, Germany, International Encyclopaedia of Law (Civil
Procedure) 1 (1997): 57.
47
Ibids., p. 91.
48
European Judicial Network in civil and commercial matters, Enforcement of Judgements
Germany [Online], 2 February 2010. Available from www.ec.europa.eu/civiljustice/enforce_
judgement/enforce_judgement_ger_en.htm
49
Harold Koch and Frank Diedrich, Germany, International Encyclopaedia of Law (Civil
Procedure) 1 (1997): 125.

135

(Leistungsurteile) 3.2.1
704

50

(ZPO) 704
Enforcement takes place from final decisions, which are in force or declared provisionally
enforceable.
50
European Judicial Network in civil and commercial matters, Enforcement of Judgements
Germany [Online], 2 February 2010. Available from www.ec.europa.eu/civiljustice/enforce_
judgement/enforce_judgement_ger_en.htm

136

(ZPO)

271

51

30 (BGB)
197 30

52

53
51

, , (
, 2528), 202.

197
Save in so far as otherwise provided, the limitation period is 30 years in the case of:
(3) claims that have been declared final and absolute,
52
European Judicial Network in civil and commercial matters, Enforcement of Judgements
Germany [Online], 2 February 2010. Available from www.ec.europa.eu/civiljustice/enforce_
judgement/enforce_judgement_ger_en.htm
53
, . (
, 2550), 58.

137

197
30

197
201
3.1.4
(Act of execution)

212(2) 3.1.5.2.2

201
The limitation period for claims of the type referred to in 197 Nos. 3 to 5, begins on the
date when the decision becomes final and absolute, the enforceable title is created or the claim is
established in the insolvency proceedings but not, however, before the claim arises. 199 (5)
applies mutatis mutandis.

212
The limitation period begins anew if
(2) a judicial or official act of execution is performed or applied for.

138

139

271
10

( 942/2538 .)
10 271


4

140
271

10 193/32 (
5035/2541, 5596/2543, 7412/2543, 3017/2544, 6928/2544, 7104/2545
5119/2549 )
10 193/32

10 193/32


2 4

4.1

193/32

141
1
6 1


193/32

4.1.1




Civil Law

Common Law
Civil
Law

1 5

142

163 ( )



193/9




193/29

Civil Law




193/9

143

Claim





(Rights)




(
344/2531)
( 8325/2544)


(rights) 3

144
1) (Economic rights)

( Anspruche) 2) (Family rights)
3) (Personal rights)
3
Anspruche

194
2

(Claim Anspruche )
(Rights)

145
4.1.2

Civil Law





Civil
Law

(Interest rei publicae ut sit finis litium)

146

147

4.1.3
10 193/32

193/12

148





193/12


193/15
2


4.1.3.1

2
193/12
193/15




193/12


193/15


2 5 10

149

193/15
193/32 10

2535
173() 175()



(
)
175()
173() 193/14

173()


6

10 168()

271

150
10
1
193/15 181() 2

2
181 ()
172()

181()

175()
193/15 2


() 193/12

193/12

, , 300-

, 314.

302.

151
198()


199

193/15
202

199
201

193/12
193/15 2

152
()
193/32
193/12

193/32
193/12

4.1.3.2

1,000,000 7.5

10 271


10 193/32

153

193/12




193/12

20842085/2523

193/32
10

2084-2085/2523
145


168 ( 193/32 )
10

154


5035/2541

201
197(3)

271

193/32

5035/2541
4
271

10
193/32 10

155
193/32

4.1.3.3

10 193/32
5 193/33(2)

10
193/32 5 193/33
( 6749/2539,
4815/2547)

193/33
(2)

156

3958/2534
12865/2520 27 2520
20,000
10 2520 10
10
168 ( 193/32 )

197()
4 197

30 2

3

10
193/32
5 193/33(2)
10 271

157

193/12

6109/2550
193/12

203 213

4 (
) 4

193/12

158



197 2
3 30


199


201

201

10
193/32 5 193/33(2)
193/12



271

159
4.1.3.4

1,000,000
7.5
6
193/12




6 6

201

201


193/12

160
271

4.2.1.3
4.1.4

193/14




3



4.1.4.1

193/14(1)

161

193/15

208()
(Interrupt)


(Renewal)
212(1)

4.1.4.1.1

162

163
2094/2536)

10
5
15
13

271
10
193/32


4.2

2094/2536





148

164

1 .. 2535

168() 193/32

10 271

10
3

10

,
1, 466-467.

165

10
271

4.1.4.1.2

166

10
193/30

167


( 2018/2533,
2146/2535)
4.1.4.1.3

4.1.4.1.1

10

4.1.4.1.1

168

10

193/14(1)

169

(Acknowledgement)

212(1)

212



30 197(3)

30

170


5
4.1.4.2

193/14 (2)-(5)





193/14(2)

209()

(Interruption)

(Suspension)

171
30

4.1.3.1

193/14(2)


193/14(2) - (5)




4.1.4.2.1

271

172
193/32

148

2

193/14(2)
2



3


3 2



(Executory Judgment)
(Leistungsurteile)

(Actions for performance)

173

Res Judicata
Materielle Rechtskraft
(Declaratory Judgment)
(Feststellungsurteile)
(Gestaltungsurteile)

174

55





2
( 205/2523)
( 3040/2548)
( 192/2485)

(

3040/2548

12 2537
15 2538

192/2485

173 (
193/14(2) )

175
1298/2497, 1939/2545 .)

193/32

1939/2545 .





148

176

193/32


4.3
4.1.4.2.2


2540
10 10

10

193/32

4.2.2

193/14
2

177
5

( 1/2514)
( 1503/2539)







193/14(2)

193/14(2),(5)

() (
)

178

193/14(2)
( 5035/2541)

193/32

193/14(2)

193/15 2

193/15 2

193/15 2
4.1.3.1

179

271
4.2.2.1
4.1.4.2.3

10
271
3 2


193/32
193/14

193/14 5

10

(
2278/2526, 1765/2531 2567/2533)

180
193/14(5) ( 5344/2536, 800/2537, 942/2538, 2317/2540, 6176/2540,
4604/2542, 1818/2543, 5596/2543 1679/2551)








4604/2542
10

212(2) (Acts of
execution)
204

4604/2542
10
193/32
193/14

193/14(5)
10

181

30 197(3)

4.1.4.3

193/14

692

182

2

4.1.4.3.1

10 193/30

1/2540
2550

10
2549
2559

183

193/32

4.1.4.3.2

4.1.4.3.1

1/2540
2/2543


193/32

1/2540
2/2543

184

193/30

692

197(3)

185
4.1.4
193/32



5
4.1.5

193/32

193/24

Waiver
(Good faith)

186

271 193/32

193/32

( 5323/2542)

(
164/2536)

164/2536

192 ( 193/24 )

187




5323/2542
271

10

94(1)

193/32




188

.. 2483 22



.. 2483 94(1)

188

4.2

4.2.1

189
271

193/32
2
193/32
271 10

1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.

193/32

10

( 193/12)

271

10
(
271)
()

( 23)

( 193/14)

( 193/11)

7.
( 193/24)
8.

9.
( 193/29)

( 142(5))

190
2

2

2

4.1
2

4.2.1.1

271
( 3839/2535, 224/2538,
7190/2538, 5323/2542, 818/2543 2900/2543 )

191

193/32

2
Civil Law


168 ( 193/32 )
174-2
218 ( 197(3) )
168 10 30

192
10
..2468

..113 ..127

Common Law
10 ..127
76
..127
20
10
..127 76

10 76
..127 271



..127 76
() 271
168 ( 193/32 )
10 4
..127 76

618.

, 1-2 1-240, 617-

193
10 5
728/2482 1279/2510

197(3)

,
2 , (: , 2475), 305.

194
4.2.1.2

( 2900/2543)
(
728/2482)

()

2900/2543
271


10

728/2482

271

195

197(3)

212
(Acknowledgement)
(Act of execution)

196

10

193/32



5
4.2.1.3

2




10

197

4.1.3
2


4.2.1.3.1

4.1.3.2



193/12

( )
271

147

198



1

271

10


2 3



145

2084-2085/2523



132

199
145

231

8759/2538, 7190/2538 4906/2549 7190/2538

271

200







6


7190/2538


271

193/12

6

, , 193.

201
4.1.3.2
2

197(3)

201 197(3)


704

202

271

5
4.2.1.3.2




4.1.3.3 4.1.3.4
193/12

271

10

10

10,000

203
8
271

2

193/12

(
7190/2538)


271

10
(
1279/2510, 800/2537, 258/2542 )

6109/2550

193/12

204
7

197(3) 201
197(3)

, 4 (:
, 2550), 86.

205

271
5

4.2.2

206

4.2.2.1

193/32
271

14

207

271
6176/2540
10






10
14

193/32

482/2536, 942/2538 ., 1022/2538, 3581/2538, 4229/2539, 5494/2539,

6176/2540, 7258/2540, 198/2541, 2900/2543, 586/2544 5391/2548

2084-2085/2523, 2278/2526, 1765/2531, 3839/2535, 1067/2539,

1503/2539, 5893/2539, 2317/2540, 3351/2540, 7268/2540, 2649/2541, 3945/2541, 5035/2541,
1818/2543, 4937/2543, 7412/2543, 3017/2544, 6928/2544, 7104/2545, 5119/2549 6109/2550

208


271

10

3839/2535, 942/2538 . 6451/2550


193/32

271

2567/2533, 2764/2536, 471/2542, 5596/2543 6983/2544

209






14

271

210



23

193/29


193/29

193/29

211
142(5)

193/29

14

14

212

2





4.2.2.2





94(1)


271

193/32 2

213

193/32

271

214
94(1)

193/32

271

271

215

271


10


10


( 2007/2528
.)

( 917/2521) (
6555/2542, 3960/2546)

917/2521


() ()

3960/2546

216

271

4.3
193/32



10
193/32




94(1)

217

51 3

10

1046/2497, 2596/2520, 1898/2522, 2615/2523
1818/2541

193/32

218
193/32

193/32
2

(Vollstrekungstitel)

10
271
30
197(3)

219

55






4.1.4.2.1
( 205/2523)
( 3040/2548)
( 192/2485) (
1298/2497, 1939/2545 .)

1298/2497

1298/2497

220



193/32
2
10
193/32
3
8
168 ( 193/32
) 76 ( 271
) 10

168
168
168


193/32

173 ,175 181 ( 193/14(2) , 193/15

) 3 4
8

621.

, 1-2 1-240, 617-

221
9
630/2538



271
10

193/32
193/14(2)

193/32

271

10

193/32

, , 301-

302.
10

, ,
601-602.

222

193/32

197(3)
3


30


197(3)

193/32
..253511

11

,
1, 466-467.

223

168 ( 193/32
)

168

10

224

5
168 ()

193/32

193/32

225

193/32

271

271

226

193/32

193/32

271
193/32 5

227
2

1.

1.1 / -
1.2
-

2.

-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-
- - -

- - -

3.
3.1 - .193/12
.193/15 2
3.2
-

-
3.3 (.193/12)

-
-

- 201

- .193/12

-
( 201)
-
( 201)

-
-

228

4.

4.1

- .193/14(1)

- 212(1)

4.2 / -

4.3
-

5.

5.1

- ( 204)

5.2

5.3

- .193/14(2)

- / - / -
/

- .193/14(2) - ( 204) -

-
-
-
(212(2))

229

6.

(.692)

7.

- .193/24

8.

8.1
-

(.271)

-
( 197(3))

230

8.2

9.

9.1

9.2

- .271

10.

- /

- -

( 212)

- 201
-
( 201)
-
( 201)

- (.193/32) - ( 197(3)) -

(.271)
(.271)

231

11.
- 193/32
- ( 197(3))

-
- -

5.1
2

271

193/32

193/32
4

233

10

201

197(3)

234

30



197(3) 30

197(3)

235

2
193/32
271
2

271

236

193/32

237

1 ..2535
10

238
271

10 193/32

271

271

193/32

193/12

239


193/32


193/12


271

271

271

271

240
193/32



5.2


3

1.

1.1


193/32

271




271


271

241
193/32
271






271
193/32

193/32

1.2
271
193/32

242
1 ..2535



51 3
193/32
2.
193/32
271


2.1

193/12



271

Civil Law
271

243
2.2
193/14
193/24

3.
193/32
271

193/32






3.1

244
193/32

3.2

193/32




Declaratory Judgment





193/32


193/14(2)
193/32

3.3



271

245

193/32


1
271

193/32

193/32

2


3



3.2 3.3

271
2.1

246
3

193/32

10 10

271
(
)

()

10

(
)

( )

10

.
. 7. : , 2551.
, .
1. : , 2534.
. . 2 .
: , 2552.
. 4
. : ,
2552.
. ( 1 3).
10. : , 2551.
. . 4. :
, 2548.
. .

, 2546.
. 1.
: , 2551.
. .
. ,
2531.

248
, . 1-2 1-240.
: , 2509.
. . :
, 2518.
. .

, 2540.
. .
: , 2550.
. 4.
: , 2550.
. . 44,3 (- 2540): 230-235.
. 4
. 2.
: , 2516.
. . 5. :
, 2549.
. . : ,
2546.
. .
, 2550.
. . :
, 2550.

249
. .
,
2544.
. 4
. :
, 2521.
. . :
, 2533.
. .
. : , 2550.
. . 12.
: , 2551.
. . : , 2552.
. . 1. : , 2551.
. 4. :
, 2549.
() . -. 13. :
, 2551.
, .
2 . :
, 2475.
. .
10. : , 2551.

250
. .
, 2528.
. . 7. :
, 2549.
. .
: , 2515.
, ... 1 (
1-2). : , 2527.
. .
: , 2515.
. . 7. :
, 2551.
. . 42,1 (-
2538): 18.
. 1 .
2. : , 2515.
. . 6. : ...,
2552.

251

Cohn, E.J. Manual of German Law Volume I. 2nd edition. London: The British Institute of
International and Comparative Law, 1968.
Cohn, E.J. Manual of German Law Volume II. 2nd edition. London: The British Institute
of International and Comparative Law, 1971.
Engelmann, A. A History of Continental Civil Procedure. New York: Sentry Press, 1969.
European Judicial Network in civil and commercial matters. Bankruptcy Germany
[Online]. Available from: http://www.ec.europa.eu/civiljustice/brankruptcy/
brankruptcy_ger_en.htm [2010, 2 February]
European Judicial Network in civil and commercial matters, Enforcement of
Judgements Germany [Online]. Available from: http://www.ec.europa.eu/
civiljustice/enforce_judgement/enforce_judgement_ger_en.htm [2010, 2
February]
Koch, H., and Diedrich, F. Germany. International Encyclopaedia of Law (Civil
Procedure) 1 (1997) : 57-126.
Schuster, E.J. The Principle of German Civil Law. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1907.
Zimmermann, R. Comparative Foundation of European Law of Set-off and Prescription.
New York: Cambridge University Press, 2002.

253

German Civil Code (BGB) Book 1: General Part
Section 5: Limitation1

German Law Archive, German Civil Code - Burgerliches Gesetzbuch [Online], 2 February
2010. Available from www.iuscomp.org/gla/index.html

254

German Civil Code (BGB)

Book 1: General Part
Section 5: Limitation
Title 1: Matters subject to limitation and the limitation period
194: Matters subject to limitation
(1) The right to require another person to do or to refrain from doing an act (a
claim) is subject to limitation.
(2) Claims based on a relationship governed by family law are not subject to
limitation in so far as they are directed at establishing, for the future, a situation
appropriate to the relationship.
195 Standard limitation period
The standard limitation period is three years.
196 Limitation period in the case of rights to land
The limitation period is ten years in the case of claims for the transfer of title to
land and for the establishment, transfer or cancellation of rights to land or for the
alteration of the subject matter of such a right and also for claims for counterperformance.
197 30-year limitation period
(1) Save in so far as otherwise provided, the limitation period is 30 years in the
case of:
1. claims for surrender based on property or other rights in rem,

..2002 Book 1 (General Part)

Book 2 (Law of Obligations) 1 2002
Geoffrey Thomas Gerhard Dannemann

255
2. claims under family law or the law of succession,
3. claims that have been declared final and absolute,
4. claims based on enforceable settlements or enforceable documents and
5. claims that have become enforceable by virtue of having been established in
insolvency proceedings.
(2) In so far as claims under subsection (1), No 2, concern the performance of
regularly recurring obligations or maintenance obligations and in so far as claims under
subsection 1, Nos 3 to 5, concern regularly recurring obligations that will fall due in the
future, the standard limitation period applies instead of the period of 30 years.
198 Limitation in the case of successors in title
If a thing in respect of which a claim in rem exists comes into the possession of a
third person, the part of the limitation period that has expired during the period of
possession of his predecessor in title accrues to his benefit.
199 Beginning of the standard limitation period and maximum periods
(1) The standard limitation period begins upon the expiry of the year in which:
1. the claim has arisen, and
2. the obligee becomes aware of the circumstances giving rise to the claim and of
the identity of the obligor or ought to have become aware of those matters but for his
gross negligence.
(2) Irrespective of how they arose and irrespective of awareness or grossly
negligent lack of awareness, claims arising out of death, [1 ] injury to body, health, or
liberty are time-barred 30 years from the date upon which the act, breach of duty or
other event causing the loss occurred.
(3) Other claims for compensation are time-barred
1. irrespective of knowledge or grossly negligent lack of knowledge, ten years
after they arose and

256
2. irrespective of when they arose and of knowledge or grossly negligent lack of
knowledge, 30 years from the date on which the act, breach of duty or other event
causing the loss occurred.
The period which ends first is decisive.
(4) Irrespective of knowledge or grossly negligent lack of knowledge, claims other
than claims for compensation are time-barred ten years after the date upon which they
arose.
(5) If the claim is for an obligation of forbearance, the date of the infringement of
that obligation replaces the date on which the claim arose.
200 Beginning of other limitation periods
Save where another date is provided, the limitation period for claims not subject to
the standard limitation period begins when the claim arises. 199 (5) applies mutatis
mutandis.
201 Beginning of the limitation period for established claims
The limitation period for claims of the type referred to in 197 (1), Nos. 3 to 5,
begins on the date when the decision becomes final and absolute, the enforceable title
is created or the claim is established in the insolvency proceedings but not, however,
before the claim arises. 199 (5) applies mutatis mutandis.
202 Inadmissibility of agreements on limitation
(1) In the case of liability for deliberate acts and omissions, the limitation period
may not be shortened in advance by way of legal transaction.
(2) The limitation period may not be extended by way of legal transaction beyond
a period of 30 years from the beginning of the statutory period.

257
Title 2: Suspension, suspension of expiration and recommencement of the limitation
period
203 Suspension of limitation in the event of negotiations
If negotiations between the obligor and the obligee are underway with regard to
the claim or the circumstances on which the claim is based, limitation is suspended until
one of the parties refuses to continue the negotiations. The claim is not barred until at
least three months have elapsed following the end of the suspension.
204 Suspension of limitation by pursuit of rights
(1) Limitation is suspended by:
1. the bringing of an action for performance or for a declaration of the existence of
the claim, for the attachment of an execution certificate, or for the issue of an order for
execution,
2. service of an application under the simplified procedure for the maintenance of
minors,
3. service of a demand for payment in a summary debt procedure,
4. occasioning the notice of an application for conciliation lodged at a conciliation
body established or recognised by the administration of justice of a Land or, if the
parties agree to seek conciliation, at any other conciliation body which settles disputes;
if notice is occasioned shortly after the lodging of the application, limitation is
suspended immediately upon the giving of notice,
5. assertion of a right to set off the claim in the course of a lawsuit,
6. service of a third-party notice,
7. service of an application for an independent procedure for the taking of
evidence,
8. the beginning of an agreed expert opinion procedure or the appointment of an
expert in accordance with 641a,

258
9. service of an application for an attachment order, an interim order or an
injunction, or, if the application is not served, the lodging thereof if the order for
attachment, the interim order or the injunction is served on the obligor within one month
of its being made or of its service on the obligee,
10. the lodging of a claim in insolvency proceedings or in proceedings for the
distribution of assets under shipping law,
11. the beginning of the arbitration proceedings,
12. the lodging of an application to an administrative authority, if the admissibility
of the action is conditional on a preliminary decision by that authority and the action is
brought within three months after the application has been dealt with; this applies
mutatis mutandis to applications which are to be made to a court or a conciliation body
referred to in 4 above, the admissibility of which depends on a preliminary decision by
an authority,
13. the lodging of an application to a higher court, if it is for that court to decide
upon the court with jurisdiction over the claim and, within three months after the
application has been dealt with, the action is brought or the application for which a
decision on jurisdiction was necessary is filed, and
14. the occasioning of the notice of the first application for the grant of legal aid; if
notice is occasioned shortly after the lodging of the application, suspension of limitation
takes effect immediately upon the lodging of the application.
(2) Suspension under subsection (1) above ends six months after a final decision
has been made in respect of the proceedings commenced or their cessation in some
other manner. If the proceedings come to a halt because of inaction by the parties, the
date of the last procedural step of the parties, the court or other body responsible for the
procedure applies instead of the date of cessation of the proceedings. Suspension
begins anew if one of the parties pursues the proceedings further.
(3) 206, 210, and 211 apply mutatis mutandis to subsection (1), Nos. 9, 12 and
13 above.

259
205 Suspension of limitation in the event of a right to refuse performance
Limitation is suspended during a period in which the obligor is temporarily entitled,
on the basis of an agreement with the obligee, to refuse to perform.
206 Suspension of limitation in the event of force majeure
Limitation is suspended for a period during which the obligee has, within the last
six months of the limitation period, been prevented by force majeure from pursuing his
rights.
207 Suspension of limitation on grounds relating to the family and for similar reasons
Limitation of claims between spouses is suspended during the continuance of the
marriage. The same applies to claims between
1. life partners for the period during which that life partnership exists,
2. parents and children and the spouse of one parent and the latters children
during the minority of the children,
3. a guardian and his ward during the continuance of the guardianship,
4. a carer and the person cared for during the continuance of a care relationship,
and
5. a foster child and a foster parent during the continuance of the fostering.
Limitation of claims of a child against a friend in litigation proceedings is
suspended during the period of the latters activity as such.
(2) 208 is not affected.
208 Suspension of limitation in the case of claims for infringement of the right to
sexual self-determination
The limitation period in respect of claims for infringement of the right to sexual selfdetermination is suspended until the obligees 21st birthday. If, when the limitation
period commences, the obligee in respect of claims for infringement of the right to
sexual self-determination is living with the obligor as a domestic unit, limitation is

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suspended until the cessation of the domestic unit.
209 Effect of the suspension
A period during which limitation is suspended is not included when calculating the
limitation period.
210 Expiration of the limitation period suspended in the case of persons without full
legal capacity
(1) If a person without full legal capacity or with limited legal capacity has no
statutory representative, a limitation period is not completed to his benefit or detriment
until the expiry of six months after the time when he acquires unlimited legal capacity or
the lack of representative is cured. If the limitation period is less than six months, the
period specified for limitation purposes applies instead of the period of six months.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in so far as a person without full legal capacity is
capable of suing and being sued.
211 Expiration of the limitation period suspended in matters relating to estates
A claim that is part of or directed against an estate is not time-barred until at least
six months have elapsed from the time when the inheritance is accepted by the heirs or
when insolvency proceedings in respect of the estate are commenced or when the
claim can be asserted by or against an agent. If the limitation period is less than six
months, the period specified for limitation purposes applies instead of the period of six
months.
212 Limitation period beginning anew
(1) The limitation period begins anew if
1. the obligor acknowledges the claim to the obligee by part payment, payment of
interest, the granting of security or in some other way, or
2. a judicial or official act of execution is performed or applied for.
(2) The new beginning of the limitation period as a result of an act of execution is

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deemed not to have occurred if the act is annulled upon application by the obligee or
because of a failure to fulfil the statutory requirements.
(3) The new beginning of the limitation period as a result of an application for an
act of execution is deemed not to have occurred if the application is not granted or is
withdrawn before the act or the completed act is annulled in accordance with
subsection (2) above.
213 Suspension, suspension of expiration and recommencement of limitation in the
case of other claims
Suspension, suspension of expiration and the new beginning of the limitation
period also applies to claims which may be pursued, on the same basis, as an ancillary
claim or in lieu of the claim.
Title 3: Legal consequences of limitation
214 Effect of limitation
(1) When limitation occurs, the obligor is entitled to refuse to perform his
obligation.
(2) Performance made in satisfaction of a claim that has become time-barred may
not be reclaimed, even if made without knowledge of the time-bar. The same applies to
an acknowledgement made in accordance with a contract and to a security given by the
obligor.
215 Set-off and right of retention after limitation has occurred
The fact that a claim is time-barred does not preclude set-off and assertion of a
right of retention if the claim was not time-barred at the moment when set off could first
have been made or performance refused.
216 Effect of limitation in the case of secured claims
(1) The time-bar of a claim in respect of which a mortgage, ships mortgage or lien
exists does not preclude the obligee from seeking to satisfy his claim out of the

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encumbered object.
(2) If a right has been procured in order to secure a claim, retransfer of the right
cannot be demanded on the ground that the claim has become time-barred. If title has
been reserved, the contract may be terminated even if the secured claim is time-barred.
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) above do not apply to the limitation of claims for
interest and other recurring obligations.
217 Limitation of collateral performance
A claim for a collateral performance dependent on the main claim becomes timebarred at the same time as the main claim, even if the specific limitation period for the
first-mentioned claim has not yet expired.
218 Ineffectiveness of termination
(1) Termination for non-performance or failure to perform in accordance with the
contract is ineffective if the claim for performance or the claim for supplementary
performance has become time-barred and the obligor raises that plea. This applies
even if, by virtue of 275 (1) to (3), 439 (3) or 635 (3), the obligor does not need to
perform and the claim for performance or supplementary performance would be timebarred. 216 (2), second sentence, is unaffected.
(2) 214 (2) applies mutatis mutandis.

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1 ..2535
193/141 193/322

,
1, 427-430.
2

, 466-467.

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18 ..2528


2549 60

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