Create, validate and send XRechnung
Germany’s e-invoice format, generated, validated and sent directly from your ERP or software.
XRechnung is Germany’s format for electronic invoices. It implements the European standard EN 16931 and consists of a pure XML file. Public authorities usually require it with a Leitweg-ID, and in business transactions it meets the e-invoicing obligation from 2027 and 2028.
BARNICOM connects XRechnung to your ERP or software, validates every invoice against the official rules and sends it to portals, via Peppol or by email. More on the mandate: E-invoicing.
What defines XRechnung
Pure XML
XRechnung contains structured data only, no image of the invoice. Software reads it directly, people need a viewer.
German standard
XRechnung implements the European standard EN 16931 for Germany and is maintained by the German Coordination Office for IT Standards (KoSIT).
Required by authorities
Federal and many state public authorities require e-invoices, usually as XRechnung with a Leitweg-ID.
XRechnung and ZUGFeRD compared
Both formats meet the e-invoicing obligation. Which one fits depends on the recipient.
| XRechnung | ZUGFeRD | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | pure XML file | PDF with embedded XML file |
| Human-readable | only with a viewer | yes, as a regular PDF |
| Typical recipients | public authorities, large companies | business customers of all sizes |
| Transmission | public sector portals, Peppol, email | email, Peppol |
How we implement it
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Generation
Your ERP or software generates the XRechnung from existing invoice data.
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Validation
Every invoice is validated against the official rules before sending.
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Sending
To public sector portals with Leitweg-ID, via Peppol or by email.
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Receiving
Incoming XRechnung invoices are rendered readable and passed to accounting.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Leitweg-ID?
The Leitweg-ID is an address that routes invoices to the right office within a German public authority. The authority provides it, and it belongs in the XRechnung.
How can I read an XRechnung?
With a viewer that renders the XML file as an invoice. Many accounting programs include one, and we set up a viewer for receiving.
Can Odoo create XRechnung invoices?
Yes. Odoo generates XRechnung and ZUGFeRD invoices. For other systems and custom software, we build the generation.
Is XRechnung sufficient for business customers?
Yes. XRechnung meets the e-invoicing obligation in B2B as well. Some customers prefer ZUGFeRD because they can view the PDF directly.
From our projects
The information on this page is general in nature and does not replace tax advice. Please clarify individual tax questions with your tax advisor.
E-invoicing and VAT
Create XRechnung from your system
We connect XRechnung to your ERP or software, from generation to sending.