Affirmation in lieu of an oath (eidesstattliche Versicherung)

By affirmation in lieu of an oath the declarant formally confirms the truth of his or her statement. Whosoever before a public authority competent to take a an affirmation in lieu of an oath, falsely makes such an affirmation or falsely testifies while referring to such an affidavit shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding three years or a fine. See § 156 of the German Criminal Code. When applying for a German certificate of executorship or German certificate of inheritance, the applicant must declare in lieu of an oath before a court or notary that he is not aware of anything that contradicts his statements and certain fact are true. See 352 of the German Act on Proceedings in Family Matters and in Matters of Non-contentious Jurisdiction.