Court Reporting and Depositions in Germany

Allowing enough time (roughly 6 weeks) for scheduling depositions in Germany is extremely important because of the logistics associated with the scheduling and planning processes. However, with teams living on-the-ground throughout Europe, we are often able to cover last-minute requests. Counsel will determine whether their witness is willing to be deposed. If so, both parties can agree to stipulate the oath and begin the process of setting up the deposition.

Germany is a party to The Hague Evidence Convention and requires foreign attorneys to provide advance notice and obtain permission from the government to take depositions. This process takes approximately 6 weeks.  If you need assistance, contact the Planet Depos International Scheduling Department.

For specific information pertaining to taking depositions in Germany, please consult the U.S. State Department for Judicial Assistance.

1. Select the deposition services needed:
   • U.S.-trained court reporter
   • U.S.-trained legal videographer
   • Any language interpreter
2. What is the location of the deposition in Germany?
   • Do you need Planet Depos to reserve a conference room for you?
3. If not participating in person, do you require videoconferencing services? (If not, please skip to the next item on the checklist).
   • Do you need a location in Germany?
   • Will you need a location in the United States?
   • Can you attend from your firm’s videoconference suite?
   • Ask about Planet Depos’ Mobile Videoconferencing capabilities!
   • Document Production
   • Do you need assistance with exhibit printing?
4. Select your deposition date
   • Start time
   • End time
5. Visa Restrictions:
   • There is no visa required for travel to Germany at this time; however, your passport must be valid for 90 days beyond your intended period of stay.  It is highly recommended that you have at least 6-months’ validity past the point of your return to the U.S. on your passport for travel to any European country.  For more information, please consult the U.S. State Department or contact Planet Depos’ International Scheduling Department.
6. Make travel arrangements
   • Flight
   • Lodging
     • Contact Planet Depos for information about corporate discounts with our partner hotels
   • Car rental
7. Send a protective order to Planet Depos for representatives to sign (if applicable)
8. Have you filled out the Planet Depos Standing Order Form? It’s an easy process that takes less than 60 seconds and will let us know:
   • Transcript turnaround time (regular or expedited)
   • Who should receive the Rough ASCII and final transcript
   • The number of realtime laptops that are needed
   • Preferred video format (DVD, MPEG1, Loaded DVD, Synchronized Viewer)
9. Send out Notice of Deposition to all counsel, your witness, and Planet Depos
10. Send prep materials to Planet Depos for reporter’s deposition preparation:
    • Notice of deposition
    • Complaint
    • Subpoena
    • Previous transcript(s)
    • Word index
11. Obtain emergency contact information for Planet Depos representatives
12. Provide emergency contact information for counsel

Travel safely to the Germany and contact Planet Depos with any questions once you’ve arrived!

Did you know?  The official name of Germany is “Federal Republic of Germany.”

With teams living on the ground in Europe, Planet Depos offers 24/7 assistance for all of your deposition needs in Germany. Our teams have been covering depositions in Germany for over 15 years, earning the reputation of one of the leading experts in the scheduling process, travel, and document assistance there. We would be more than happy to share our expertise and guide you through the logistical and procedural processes to ensure a successful deposition in Germany.

Entry Requirements for Germany

Germany does not require a tourist or business visa for stays of less than 90 days. You will need a passport valid for at least 90 days beyond the date of departure from Germany, and Planet Depos strongly recommends traveling with a passport valid for no less than 6 months beyond your departure date from Germany. You will need one blank passport page for your entry stamp. Planet Depos does recommend having at least 2 blank pages, however. Most flights from the Unites States do not include a stopover in another country.

For more information, you may also contact the German Embassy in the United States (4645 Reservoir Road NW Washington DC 20007):

German Embassy

Flying to Germany

Below are the three major international airports in Germany:

• Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) – Frankfurt (Frankfurt Airport)
• Munich International Airport (MUC) – Munich (Munich Airport)
• Dusseldorf International Airport (DUS) – Dusseldorf (Dusseldorf Airport)

Several airlines offer direct flights to Germany, including:

• Air France (www.airfrance.us)
• Delta (www.delta.com)
• United (www.unitedairlines.com)
• Lufthansa (http://www.lufthansa.com)

Travel in Germany

For updated travel alerts and information, please visit the State Department’s webpage.

You can also download the SmartTravel App for your smartphone created by the U.S. Department of State.

Staying in Germany

Depositions in Germany may only be taken at the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt. Frankfurt offers many lovely hotels for your lodging needs. Planet Depos has established relationships with many hotels throughout Europe, and we can gladly assist with your hotel recommendations.

Medical Information for Germany

There are many medical facilities with English-speaking personnel throughout Germany. For a list of these facilities, and additional medical/emergency information, please go to:

U.S. Embassy – Germany

For updated health information, including health travel alerts and immunizations, please visit Germany specific website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at:

CDC – Germany

Money Matters

Germany’s currency is the Euro. ATMs are widely available and offer the most generous exchange rate. Major credit cards are also widely accepted.

For up-to-date information on the local conversion rate, please visit a reputable currency converter website such as OANDA, which also offers an app for smartphones.

Weather

Germany has four distinct seasons. Winters last from January to March, and are quite cold, with temperatures dropping below 0 at times. Springs are chilly, and sometimes see snow. Summers are warm but pleasantly so, between 70 and 80. Falls bring shorter and cooler days, and sometimes snow late in the season.

Interesting Fact about Germany
The Christmas tree tradition started in Germany (O Tannenbaum).