Frankfurt Launches English-Language Commercial Courts to Enhance Global Competitiveness

On July 1, 2025, Frankfurt introduced a pioneering initiative in its civil justice system by establishing the first English-language Commercial Court at its Higher Regional Court (Oberlandesgericht) and Commercial Chambers at its Regional Court (Landgericht). This development aims to position Frankfurt as a leading venue for international commercial litigation, providing a modern, efficient forum for the resolution of complex, high-value cross-border disputes.

The newly established Commercial Court and Chambers represent a significant modernization of Germany's judicial approach to commercial disputes. Unlike general civil divisions, these new bodies are designed specifically to handle cases involving substantial claims, with a jurisdiction threshold set at EUR 500,000. The court's structure allows for proceedings in English, aligning Germany with global trends in international dispute resolution, as seen in jurisdictions like Singapore and Hong Kong.

According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, Professor of Law at the University of Mannheim, 'The introduction of English-language proceedings in Frankfurt marks a vital step in making German courts more accessible to international businesses. This initiative not only enhances Frankfurt's attractiveness as a litigation hub but also reflects a broader trend toward globalization in judicial processes.'

The Commercial Court typically comprises three professional judges specializing in commercial law, ensuring a depth of expertise in the adjudication of business disputes. The Commercial Chambers, on the other hand, may include honorary judges with significant commercial experience, further enhancing the court's practical understanding of complex business matters.

Key features of the new court system include procedural innovations inspired by international arbitration practices. These innovations encompass Case Management Conferences aimed at improving procedural efficiency and the introduction of verbatim transcripts for better documentation and accountability. Furthermore, parties may opt to bypass the Regional Court level entirely, expediting the process by allowing cases to be heard directly by the Commercial Court.

The jurisdiction of these courts will cover a range of commercial disputes, primarily focusing on conflicts arising from commercial transactions, corporate acquisitions, and disputes involving management or supervisory boards. However, certain areas such as capital investment law and medical treatment disputes will be excluded from their scope.

Appeals from the Commercial Chambers will be reviewed by the Frankfurt Commercial Court, with the option for further appeal to the Federal Court of Justice (BGH). Notably, proceedings before the BGH can also be conducted in English if requested, a feature that enhances accessibility for international litigants.

Industry leaders have expressed optimism about the potential impact of these courts on Germany's legal landscape. Simon Stöhlker, an attorney at Gibson Dunn, commented, 'The establishment of English-language Commercial Courts in Frankfurt is set to not only streamline dispute resolution for international businesses but also enhance the overall quality of judicial outcomes through specialized expertise.'

As Frankfurt positions itself as a competitive forum in the global commercial litigation arena, the implications for businesses operating in complex or cross-border environments are significant. Companies are encouraged to consider incorporating specific forum selection clauses into their contracts, designating Frankfurt as the competent venue for disputes, thereby leveraging the efficiencies offered by these new judicial bodies.

In conclusion, the launch of the English-language Commercial Courts and Chambers represents a strategic move to align Germany’s civil justice system with international best practices. With its emphasis on judicial expertise, procedural efficiency, and accessibility for global participants, Frankfurt is poised to emerge as a leading destination for international commercial litigation, fostering a favorable environment for businesses engaged in high-stakes disputes.