What is an XRechnung – and why can't I just open it?
Since 1 January 2025, many B2B transactions in Germany require an electronic invoice. The officially mandated standard is called XRechnung – and it is a plain XML text file designed for computers and government systems, not for humans.
If you open an XRechnung file with Windows Explorer or a text editor, you see something like this:
<cbc:ID>INV-2025-00123</cbc:ID> <cbc:IssueDate>2025-03-15</cbc:IssueDate> <cbc:InvoiceTypeCode>380</cbc:InvoiceTypeCode> <cbc:DocumentCurrencyCode>EUR</cbc:DocumentCurrencyCode>
For most people – tradespeople, freelancers, accountants – this is simply unreadable. That's exactly what zugpferd.io is for.
The XML file is processed on your device – no file leaves your machine. You instantly see: invoice issuer, recipient, line items, amounts, due date.
How to read an XRechnung – step by step
- Find the XML file – it arrives by email as an attachment or from your accounting software.
- Open zugpferd.io in your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari – all work).
- Drop the file into the blue area – or click "Choose file".
- Read the invoice in a clear, structured view.
- Optional: Click "Print" to save the view as a PDF.
Which XRechnung formats are supported?
XRechnung comes in two technical syntaxes. zugpferd.io supports both:
- UBL 2.1 (Universal Business Language) – the most common variant, especially in public procurement
- UN/CEFACT CII (Cross-Industry Invoice) – widely used in international business, also the basis of ZUGFeRD
- Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 – the European exchange standard for cross-border e-invoices
Common errors when opening XRechnung files
| Error / Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| File opens in Notepad / unreadable content | Wrong app associated | Right-click → Open with → Browser; or use zugpferd.io |
| "File could not be parsed" | File is corrupted or not valid XML | Request the file again; check for hidden special characters |
| File has .pdf extension but won't open normally | Possibly a ZUGFeRD PDF (embedded XML) | Use the ZUGFeRD viewer |
| Numbers display incorrectly | XML uses dot as decimal separator, not comma | zugpferd.io converts automatically to your locale |
| Line items missing | Invoice has no line item block (totals only) | Normal for simplified invoices – totals are displayed correctly |
XRechnung vs ZUGFeRD – what's the difference?
XRechnung is a pure XML file. It contains only machine-readable data – no human-readable layout, no PDF. It is mandatory for invoices to public sector buyers in Germany.
ZUGFeRD is a hybrid format: a normal PDF with an embedded XML file (in CII format) inside. Humans see the PDF; machines read the XML. zugpferd.io supports both formats.
Is it safe to upload my invoice?
At zugpferd.io you technically don't upload anything. The file is read by JavaScript directly in your browser and processed there. There is no connection to a server, no API, no database. The file never leaves your device at any point.
Do I need to install anything?
No. zugpferd.io runs entirely in the browser. No download, no plugin, no Java. It works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android – in any modern browser.
Read your XRechnung now
Free, instant, no registration. Just drop the file – done.
Open XRechnung Viewer →The EU e-invoicing mandate
Germany's e-invoicing obligation is part of a broader EU push. The European standard EN 16931 underpins both XRechnung and ZUGFeRD, and similar mandates are rolling out across France (Factur-X), Italy (FatturaPA), and other member states. zugpferd.io supports EN 16931 compliant invoices regardless of country of origin.