Glossary

In English: Insolvency claim

Money the company owed you before proceedings opened. It goes on a list with all other creditors and is paid by quota at the end, often a few cents per euro. Wages earned after the opening are paid first, in full.

Watch out: A severance signed with the old management just before the opening lands on that list.

Legal basis

InsO §38, §55. Checked against the statute text on 12 November 2026.

Open the simulator See Insolvenzforderung in action: work through a layoff case where it decides the outcome.

This page explains German employment law in general terms. It is not legal advice for your situation. If a layoff affects you, talk to an employment lawyer, your union or your Betriebsrat.