"Ledigkeitsbescheinigung" (certificate of marital status) is the German word almost everyone googles, but hardly any authority uses it officially. It means proof that you are not currently married, and that is exactly what Denmark requires for your wedding.
What exactly is the certificate of marital status?
"Ledigkeitsbescheinigung" is the colloquial umbrella term for the official proof of marital status: a document confirming that you are single, legally divorced or widowed, i.e. free to marry because no existing marriage stands in the way. Depending on the country, the document has a different name: civil-status certificate, extended registration certificate showing marital status, partial extract from the civil status register or Personenstandsausweis.
For a wedding in Denmark this proof is one of the core documents: the Familieretshuset uses it to review marriageability itself, for both partners, regardless of nationality.
Marital status certificate vs. certificate of no impediment
The two terms are constantly confused, yet they are two completely different documents. The certificate of marital status only documents your current status. The certificate of no impediment (German: Ehefähigkeitszeugnis) goes further: it certifies that no impediment to marriage exists under the law of the home country, and this is precisely the document the German registry office demands from foreign partners (Section 1309 German Civil Code).
Many states don't issue it at all; in Germany the only way out is then an exemption application at the Higher Regional Court, which often takes 6–12 months.
| Document | Certifies | Issued by | Does Denmark require it? | Does Germany require it? | Obtaining it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of marital status | Current marital status (single, divorced, widowed) | Residents' office, registry office or civil registry office | Yes, max. 4 months old | Yes, in addition | Usually a few days |
| Certificate of no impediment | No impediment under home-country law | Home authority of the foreign partner | No | Yes, from foreign partners (Section 1309 Civil Code) | Often impossible, then a court exemption (6–12 months) |
Denmark does not require a certificate of no impediment. For binational couples whose home country doesn't know this document, the biggest hurdle of the German procedure disappears; the certificate of marital status is enough.
Where to apply: Germany, Austria and Switzerland compared
Each of the three countries has its own document and its own competent authority. The good news: everywhere the process is straightforward and cheap, in many cities even possible online.
| Country | Document | Competent authority | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Extended registration certificate showing marital status | Bürgeramt / residents' office at your place of residence | €10–15 depending on municipality |
| Austria | Partial extract from the Central Civil Status Register ("Ledigkeitsbescheinigung") | Any registry office | usually around €10–20 |
| Switzerland | Personenstandsausweis | Civil registry office of your place of origin or residence | CHF 30 (uniform) |
In Germany the word "extended" matters: the simple registration certificate does not include marital status and is not accepted by Familieretshuset. So tell the Bürgeramt explicitly that the marital status must be shown; many cities offer online applications with delivery within a few days.
In Austria the ZPR partial extract, which shows marital status and nationality, serves as the Ledigkeitsbescheinigung; any registry office issues it, regardless of where you live. In Switzerland the Personenstandsausweis proves civil status and name, and in most cantons you can order it online.
Only valid for 4 months: how to time the application right
The certificate of marital status may be at most 4 months old when you file with Familieretshuset. That sounds generous but becomes a trap if you obtain the certificate first and then wait weeks for apostilles, translations or documents from abroad.
As a rule of thumb, obtain the certificate only once all other documents are complete. Since it is usually issued within days in DE/AT/CH, you lose no time and gain maximum validity reserve for processing (Familieretshuset currently often decides complete applications within a few working days, as of September 2026).
Divorced or widowed: these documents are added
In this case the certificate shows "divorced" or "widowed", which alone is not enough for Familieretshuset. Additionally required:
- Divorced partners need the divorce decree with legal-force note. Without this note the decree is unusable for the Danish authorities. For a divorce outside the EU: depending on the country, additionally an apostille and, if needed, a certified translation. For several previous marriages: all decrees.
- Widowed partners need the death certificate of the former partner and the marriage certificate of the previous marriage.
Apostille and translation: when needed?
For the certificate itself: German and Austrian certificates generally need neither apostille nor translation for Denmark, German-language documents are accepted, and within the EU Regulation 2016/1191 additionally helps with multilingual forms.
The Swiss Personenstandsausweis doesn't need an apostille either under Familieretshuset's documentation requirements, even though Switzerland is not an EU member. Proofs from many countries outside Europe, on the other hand, need an apostille or legalisation and, if they are not in Danish, English or German, a certified translation.
If your own documents need an apostille, it is issued by the country the document comes from, and you apply for it there. Our Apostille service (€199.99) is something else: it covers your Danish marriage certificate so that it is recognised at home.
The Danish foreign ministry's apostille fee is included, plus a direct courier to the ministry, tracked UPS shipping to you and, if needed, a certified translation for DE/AT/CH. You can add it to either package, Essential or Complete.
How to proceed: the short checklist
Clarify your case
Single, divorced or widowed? Binational? This determines your exact document list.
Slow documents first
Third-country certificates, divorce decree with legal-force note, apostilles, translations.
Certificate of marital status last
At the residents', registry or civil registry office, freshly issued so the 4 months are easily enough.
Application to Familieretshuset
Upload scans, pay the fee, wait for the response, book your date.
