Drag a file here or click to choose one
XRechnung (.xml) or ZUGFeRD / Factur-X (.pdf)
Your invoice never leaves your computer. It is parsed entirely in your browser – nothing is uploaded, stored or logged.
Why can't I just open this file?
An XRechnung is not a document to look at – it is a data set to be imported. Double-click it and you get either a wall of tags in your browser or nothing at all. The format was designed for accounting software, not for people. This page closes exactly that gap: it turns the data set back into something readable.
XRechnung or ZUGFeRD – what did I receive?
| XRechnung | ZUGFeRD / Factur-X | |
|---|---|---|
| File | .xml | .pdf with .xml embedded |
| Human-readable | no | yes – the PDF layer |
| Typical use | public authorities | business to business |
| Standard | both follow the European norm EN 16931 | |
They differ only in packaging. This page reads both – for a ZUGFeRD PDF it pulls the embedded XML out automatically.
Why are German companies sending you these?
Since 1 January 2025, every business in Germany must be able to receive structured electronic invoices. Issuing them is being phased in by turnover: from 2027 for companies above 800,000 € annual turnover, from 2028 for everyone else.
If you are a foreign company or a subsidiary receiving German invoices, this affects you in practice even where it does not bind you legally: your German suppliers will increasingly send XML, and „please send a PDF instead“ stops being an option for them. More on e-invoicing in Germany.
What to do with the file after reading it
- Check it. German law lists ten mandatory fields; if one is missing, the recipient can lose the right to deduct input VAT. See German invoice requirements.
- Keep the original. If you are subject to German record-keeping rules, the XML file is the original and must be kept for eight years. A printout or a re-generated PDF does not replace it.
- Import it into your accounting system if it can read EN 16931. Most European systems now can.
Do you have to issue German invoices too?
ZackFertig writes compliant German invoices for free – unlimited, no account, no subscription. XRechnung and ZUGFeRD export are in the one-off paid licence. The tool itself is in German.
Write an invoice – freeLegal basis
This page refers to the following German provisions so you can look them up yourself. It is information, not legal advice for your individual case.
- § 14 UStG – issuing invoices and mandatory content (German VAT Act)
- § 14b UStG – retention of invoices
- Directive 2014/55/EU – European standard EN 16931