If you have come across the German term Stundungsentgelt, you may be wondering what it means and why it appears in connection with a loan, invoice or payment agreement. In simple terms, a Stundungsentgelt is a charge that may be associated with an agreed postponement of a payment.
A Stundung allows a debtor to pay an amount later than originally agreed. For example, a borrower experiencing a temporary financial difficulty may agree with a lender to postpone one or more payments. Depending on the contract and the arrangement, an additional charge may apply.
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Was bedeutet Stundungsentgelt?
Stundungsentgelt refers to a fee or charge associated with granting a payment deferral.
The word can be broken down into:
- Stundung = postponement or deferral of a payment
- Entgelt = a charge or fee for a service or agreed arrangement
A Stundungsentgelt may therefore be charged when a creditor agrees to modify the original payment schedule.
The exact amount is not universally fixed. It can depend on the agreement, the type of debt, the length of the deferral and the creditor’s terms. In lending situations, some arrangements may involve a fixed fee, while others can be calculated according to the deferred amount or duration. For more related articles visit our website
What Is a Stundung?
Before understanding the Stundungsentgelt, it helps to understand the underlying concept of Stundung.
A Stundung means that a payment that is due now can be made at a later agreed date. This can apply to different types of financial obligations, including loans, invoices, taxes and other debts.
For example, imagine that a monthly loan payment is due on 1 September. If the lender agrees to defer that payment until a later date, the arrangement can be described as a Stundung.
The original debt does not simply disappear. Instead, the timing of the payment changes according to the agreement.
How Does a Stundungsentgelt Work?
A Stundungsentgelt may be introduced when the creditor agrees to provide additional flexibility.
The precise calculation depends on the individual agreement. Possible approaches include:
| Calculation method | How it works |
| Fixed fee | A predetermined amount is charged for the deferral |
| Percentage-based fee | The charge is calculated using a percentage of the deferred amount |
| Monthly charge | A fee may apply for each month of the deferral |
| Contract-specific charge | The amount follows the terms agreed between the parties |
There is therefore no single Stundungsentgelt that applies to every situation.
For a loan, it is also important to distinguish the fee from interest. Interest may continue to accrue during a payment deferral depending on the credit agreement. A fee and continuing interest can therefore represent separate costs.
Example of Stundungsentgelt Calculation
Suppose a borrower has a monthly payment of €500 and agrees with the lender to postpone the payment for two months.
If the agreement specifies a Stundungsentgelt of 1% per month on the deferred amount, the calculation would be:
€500 × 1% × 2 months = €10
In this simplified example, the Stundungsentgelt would be €10.
However, this is only an illustration. Actual charges depend on the applicable contract and arrangement. Interest or other costs may also need to be considered.
Is Stundungsentgelt the Same as Interest?
No. A Stundungsentgelt and interest are not necessarily the same thing.
Interest is normally connected with the cost of borrowing money. A Stundungsentgelt, on the other hand, can be a separate charge associated with changing the payment arrangement.
For example, a lender might agree to postpone a loan payment while interest continues according to the original credit terms. A separate contractual fee could potentially also apply.
This is why borrowers should look at the complete cost of a payment deferral rather than considering only the headline fee.
When Can a Stundung Be Useful?
A Stundung can be useful when someone faces a temporary financial problem but expects to be able to meet the payment later.
For example, a person might experience:
- A temporary reduction in income
- An unexpected major expense
- A short-term cash-flow problem
- A delayed payment from another source
- Temporary financial difficulties
A Stundung is generally intended as a temporary solution rather than a way to permanently eliminate a debt. A creditor must generally agree to the arrangement unless a specific legal or contractual provision provides otherwise.
Stundung vs Ratenzahlung
Stundung and Ratenzahlung are related but different concepts.
With a Stundung, an existing payment can be postponed to a later date.
With Ratenzahlung, an outstanding amount is divided into multiple instalments.
Simple example
Stundung:
A €1,000 payment due today is postponed until a specified future date.
Ratenzahlung:
The €1,000 amount is divided into several smaller payments, such as €200 per month.
Some agreements can combine both concepts, so it is important to read the exact terms rather than assuming that every payment arrangement works in the same way.
Does a Stundung Make a Loan More Expensive?
It can.
Even when a creditor does not charge a separate Stundungsentgelt, a payment deferral may affect the overall cost of a loan because interest can continue during the deferral period, depending on the contract.
Some arrangements can also extend the loan term because postponed payments have to be made later. Consumer guidance on credit difficulties recommends checking whether a proposed deferral creates additional costs over the remaining term.
Before accepting a Stundung, it is therefore sensible to ask:
- Is there a Stundungsentgelt?
- Does interest continue during the deferral?
- Will the loan term become longer?
- Will the monthly payment change afterwards?
- Are there any additional administrative charges?
- What is the total additional cost?
What Should You Check Before Agreeing to a Stundung?
Do not look only at the amount of the Stundungsentgelt.
A payment deferral can affect the entire repayment schedule. Ask the creditor to explain the arrangement clearly and, where possible, obtain the terms in writing.
Pay particular attention to:
The Deferral Period
Check exactly how long the payment will be postponed.
The Additional Costs
Confirm whether the agreement includes a Stundungsentgelt, interest or other charges.
The New Payment Date
Make sure you know when the postponed amount becomes due.
Future Instalments
Find out whether your future monthly payments will remain the same or change.
Total Cost
Compare the total cost before and after the proposed arrangement.
Written documentation can make it easier to verify the agreed terms later.
Is a Stundungsentgelt Always Charged?
No. A Stundungsentgelt is not automatically the same in every situation.
Whether a charge applies depends on the relevant agreement, creditor and type of debt. Some payment deferrals may involve fees, while others may not.
For example, official information for certain public payment arrangements may provide specific conditions without a general Stundungsentgelt. The exact rules depend on the type of claim and applicable regulations.
This is why it is better to check the specific contract or ask the creditor instead of assuming that every Stundung has the same price.
What Is the Difference Between Stundungsentgelt and Mahngebühr?
These terms should not be confused.
A Stundungsentgelt can be associated with an agreed payment deferral.
A Mahngebühr, by contrast, is generally connected with a reminder or collection process after a payment has not been made as required.
The two charges can therefore arise in different circumstances.
If you are considering a Stundung because you know that you cannot meet a payment on time, contacting the creditor early can be better than simply allowing the payment to become overdue. A properly agreed Stundung changes the payment arrangement, whereas an unpaid amount without an agreement can potentially lead to reminders and further collection steps.
How to Ask for a Stundung
If you are temporarily unable to make a payment, contact the creditor as soon as possible.
A request should clearly explain:
- Which payment is affected
- Why you need additional time
- The amount involved
- The period requested
- When you expect to make the payment
- Whether you are requesting a complete or partial deferral
If the creditor agrees, ask for the arrangement and associated costs in written form.
This gives both parties a clear record of the new payment conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stundungsentgelt?
Stundungsentgelt is a fee that may be charged in connection with an agreed postponement of a payment. Its amount and calculation depend on the applicable agreement and circumstances.
What does Stundung mean?
Stundung means that a payment that is due can be postponed to a later agreed date. It can apply to loans, invoices, taxes and other financial obligations.
Is Stundungsentgelt the same as interest?
No. A Stundungsentgelt can be a separate charge for a payment deferral, while interest is generally the cost associated with borrowing money. Depending on the agreement, both may apply.
How is Stundungsentgelt calculated?
There is no universal calculation. Depending on the agreement, it may be a fixed amount, a percentage of the deferred amount or a charge based on the length of the deferral.
Can a loan payment be deferred?
A loan payment can potentially be deferred if the lender agrees or if the credit agreement provides for a payment pause. A Stundung is generally an arrangement between the borrower and lender rather than something a borrower can automatically demand.
Does a payment deferral increase the total cost of a loan?
It can. Interest may continue during the deferral and additional fees may apply. The repayment period can also change depending on the agreement.
Conclusion
Stundungsentgelt is a term used for a possible charge connected with postponing a payment. The underlying Stundung gives a debtor additional time to pay, but the arrangement does not necessarily mean that the debt becomes cheaper.
Before agreeing to a payment deferral, check the Stundungsentgelt, continuing interest, new payment dates, repayment period and overall cost. Getting the agreement in writing can also help prevent misunderstandings.
For anyone dealing with a temporary financial difficulty, understanding these costs before accepting a Stundung can make it easier to compare the available options and choose an arrangement that fits their situation.