Cakedesk

Write invoices in German

German-language invoices are expected by clients in Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland. Using German terms avoids back-and-forth with accounting teams.

#Who typically accepts German invoices?

  • Businesses in Germany, Austria, and German-speaking Switzerland
  • Manufacturing and engineering firms
  • Public sector organizations that require German documentation

#Common invoice terminology in German

  • Invoice → Rechnung
  • Invoice number → Rechnungsnummer
  • Invoice date → Rechnungsdatum
  • Due date → Fälligkeitsdatum
  • Net amount → Nettobetrag
  • VAT → USt. / MwSt.
  • Gross amount → Bruttobetrag
  • Total due → Zu zahlender Betrag

#Formatting conventions in German invoices

  • Date format: DD.MM.YYYY
  • Decimal separator: comma
  • Thousands separator: dot
  • Currency: € after the amount (e.g., 1.200,00 €)
  • Paper size: A4

#Structure of a typical German invoice

  • Clear "Rechnung" label and unique number
  • Invoice date and due date
  • Line items with quantities and unit prices
  • VAT shown separately with rate
  • Totals as net, VAT, and gross

#Example invoice wording in German

  • Rechnung Nr. 2025-014
  • Rechnungsdatum: 12.03.2025
  • Fällig am: 26.03.2025
  • Gesamtbetrag: 1.200,00 €
  • Zahlbar innerhalb von 14 Tagen

#Writing German invoices with Cakedesk

Cakedesk helps you:

  • Use German invoice templates
  • Apply German numbering, dates, and separators
  • Show VAT correctly for German clients
  • Generate PDFs that feel familiar to German-speaking accounting teams

Send invoices that meet German expectations without manual formatting.