Nomen

der Erbschein

certificate of inheritance, letters of administration

Man muss einen Erbschein beantragen.

One must apply for a certificate of inheritance.

Ohne Erbschein kann er das Konto nicht auflösen.

Without a certificate of inheritance, he cannot close the account.

einen Erbschein beantragen to apply for a certificate of inheritance Sie muss einen Erbschein beantragen.

Nachlasszeugnis (certificate of succession)

Composed of 'Erbe' (inheritance) and 'Schein' (certificate, paper, bill). Literally 'inheritance paper'.

Just as a 'Führerschein' is a paper ('Schein') that proves you can drive ('führen'), an 'Erbschein' is a paper that proves you can inherit ('erben').

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.