Postal terms in France, Germany, Italy and the UK
Written form (Schriftform)
Schriftform is the German statutory written form: a document signed by hand by the person making the declaration. Think of it as a paper original with a handwritten signature. In Germany, it is required, for example, to terminate an employment contract or a residential tenancy; an email, a scan or a PDF printed and posted by a mailing service does not replace the signed original.
Written form (Schriftform)
Schriftform is the German statutory written form: a document signed by hand by the person making the declaration. Think of it as a paper original with a handwritten signature. In Germany, it is required, for example, to terminate an employment contract or a residential tenancy; an email, a scan or a PDF printed and posted by a mailing service does not replace the signed original.
Related guides
- Resign from a job in Germany: notice and signed letterResign from a job in Germany: the four-week notice period, probation, fixed-term contracts, the hand-signed original and the Sperrzeit risk. German example.
- Tenant letters in Germany: repairs, deposit and noticeWrite to a landlord in Germany: report a defect, chase a repair, reclaim your deposit (Kaution) and give notice with the three-month period. German examples.
General information about postal services and common practices in France, Germany, Italy and the UK. Postal products and legal consequences depend on the country, service and procedure; this is not legal advice or a guarantee of legal effect. Check official sources or consult a qualified professional.