What is an E-Rechnung?
A genuine E-Rechnung is created, transmitted and received in a structured electronic format. This allows invoice data to be checked automatically and transferred into accounting processes.
E-invoicing explained
E-invoicing changes how businesses create, receive and process invoices. Here you will find clear, practical explanations without unnecessary jargon.
The essentials
An E-Rechnung is not simply a PDF invoice sent by email. It contains structured data that software can read and process automatically. This reduces manual work, but requires suitable formats and reliable processes.
XRechnung and ZUGFeRD
XRechnung is a purely structured data format. ZUGFeRD combines structured XML data with a human-readable PDF view. The right format depends, among other things, on the recipient and the process involved.
What businesses need
Businesses should determine whether they can receive E-Rechnungen, check them technically, retain them securely and send them in the required format. A PDF export alone does not cover these requirements.
Essentials
What Is an E-Rechnung? Germany’s E-Invoice Explained
An E-Rechnung is not a standard PDF but a structured, machine-readable invoice. Learn why every German business needs to become E-Rechnung-ready and how to prepare.