Law and data protection
written form
In short and in plain language
Written form means a document on paper with a signature by hand.
A special digital signature can often take its place.
For a simpler form, an e-mail is enough. This is called text form.
Definition
Written form is a statutory form requirement under German law: the document is issued on paper and signed by hand. The electronic form with a qualified electronic signature can replace it unless the law rules this out. It differs from text form, for which an e-mail, for example, is sufficient.