How serious is the situation really?
Five figures, one honest answer — with the same key figures a debt counselling service would use.
Frequently asked questions
From when does someone count as over-indebted?
Over-indebted is anyone who can no longer meet their due payment obligations with the available income and assets in the long run. A single tight month is not over-indebtedness — what is decisive is whether the gap repeats month after month and the arrears grow.
Which debt ratio is still all right?
As a rule of thumb in lending practice: all instalments together should not exceed 30 to 35 per cent of net income. Above 40 per cent it gets tight, because unforeseen expenses no longer have room. The check calculates exactly this ratio.
What does a debt counselling service do — and what does it cost?
State-recognised debt counselling centres (for example from Caritas, Diakonie, AWO or the consumer advice centres) are free of charge. They provide an overview, negotiate with creditors, protect the subsistence minimum (P-Konto) and accompany you into consumer insolvency if necessary.
Is consumer insolvency the end?
No — it is a regulated fresh start: since 2020 the procedure takes only three years, after which the remaining debts are discharged. The entry about the discharge of residual debt has been deleted only six months after it is granted since 2023.
Does this check store my details?
No. All calculations run in your browser. Nothing is transmitted, nothing is stored and no sign-up is required.