Civil Lawsuits in Germany Decline Significantly Over 16 Years

The number of civil cases has dropped sharply since 2007, though mass lawsuits and process financing are reshaping the judicial landscape.

Civil case filings in Germany have decreased by 39% in local courts and 19% in regional courts from 2007 to 2023, according to official data.
The decline spans all case value groups and regions, with the COVID-19 pandemic contributing to a temporary sharp drop in filings.
Factors such as high legal costs, emotional tolls, and reduced willingness of insurers to cover legal fees may explain the trend.
Mass lawsuits, including high-profile cases like the Wirecard and VW scandals, are increasing and placing significant strain on courts.
Process financing companies are growing, offering to cover legal costs for plaintiffs in exchange for a share of winnings, particularly in large-scale cases.