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.
Option 1: Create invoices in German with Cakedesk
Cakedesk is a simple invoicing app for Windows and Mac that lets you write invoices in German using correct wording, familiar structure, and local formatting, without having to translate or adapt documents manually.
- Supports German and many other languages
- All data stored privately on your computer
- 3 invoices for free
- No subscription or recurring costs
Cakedesk

Option 2: Create invoices in German in your browser
With Cakedesk's free online invoice generator, you can create an invoice in German directly in your browser without signing up. Simply select German as the invoice language, enter your details, and download the finished invoice.

#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.