Document background
An Acknowledgment Certificate (Beglaubigung) is a fundamental legal document in German civil law practice, regulated primarily by the German Notarization Act (Beurkundungsgesetz). This document is required when official verification or authentication of signatures, copies of documents, or specific facts is needed for legal or official purposes. It is commonly used in international business transactions, legal proceedings, government submissions, and various official matters where certified verification is required. The certificate must be executed by a licensed German notary public and includes specific formal elements such as the notary's official seal and signature. It can be further authenticated with an Apostille for international use under the Hague Convention. The document's primary purpose is to provide official verification that carries legal weight both within Germany and, when properly authenticated, internationally.
