Berichtigung und Fortschreibung von Geburten-, Ehe- und Sterberegistern

If an entry in the birth, marriage or death register is incorrect or incomplete, it can be corrected or updated. In such subsequent certifications, a distinction is made between corrections and updates.

• Correction:
  The entry was incorrect from the beginning.
  
  Example:
  The surname of a child was entered incorrectly in the birth certificate.
  
  
• Update:
  Subsequent events have occurred that have changed the original facts.
  
  Example:
  A child's birth name changed after birth. At first, the child had the mother's name, but due to a name declaration by the parents, the child now has the father's name.

A correction must be applied for in writing or verbally for recording. The persons to whom an entry relates or who are entered in the register (i.e. in the case of a birth register, the child and the parents) are generally involved. The reason for the correction must be stated and evidence must be provided.

The burden of proof for the incorrectness lies with the person making the request.

After the application has been filed, the registry office decides in most cases on the admissibility of the requested correction and also carries it out itself. In some cases, a court decision must be obtained. The application can be submitted via the registry office or directly to the competent court.

The registry office that keeps the register to be corrected or updated is responsible for receiving applications for corrections or updates.