Difference Between ZUGFeRD and XRechnung in Mendato
In Mendato, two e-invoice formats are available: ZUGFeRD and XRechnung. Both are electronic invoice formats developed specifically for digital invoice exchange.
1. What Is ZUGFeRD?
ZUGFeRD (Zentraler User Guide des Forums elektronische Rechnung Deutschland) is a hybrid invoice format:
PDF/A-3 with an embedded XML file
Humans & machines can read the invoice
Standard for companies and many public authorities
Contains an integrated XRechnung
Easy storage & sharing
When should ZUGFeRD be used?
When both a PDF and a machine-readable XML file are desired
When the invoice recipient does not require an XRechnung
When easy archiving is needed in the company
Recommended default setting in Mendato!
2. What Is XRechnung?
The XRechnung is a pure XML file without a visual PDF. It complies with the requirements of the European directive on electronic invoicing.
Purely machine-readable format
Mandatory for German federal authorities & public-sector clients
Contains structured data for automatic processing
Must contain specific fields such as the Leitweg-ID
When should XRechnung be used?
When the invoice recipient (e.g. public authorities) requires the XRechnung
When a company only accepts machine-processable invoices
When an invoice is sent via the Peppol network
⚠️ Important note:
Public-sector clients in Germany only accept XRechnung or ZUGFeRD with an XML attachment.
Comparison: ZUGFeRD vs. XRechnung
Feature | ZUGFeRD – Standard | XRechnung – Mandatory for Public Authorities |
Format | Pure XML file | |
Human-readable? | Yes (PDF) | No |
Machine-readable? | Yes (embedded XML) | Yes (XML) |
Public-sector clients? | Partially | Yes, mandatory! |
Easy archiving? | Yes | No |
Recommended for companies? | Yes | Only if required |
Conclusion: Which Format to Use in Mendato?
Set ZUGFeRD as the default – combines PDF and XML (embedded)
Only choose XRechnung if the customer or a public authority explicitly requires it
If XRechnung is required, request the VAT ID, seller identifier, or Leitweg-ID
Recommended setting in Mendato:
Global setting: ZUGFeRD (Settings > Documents > Invoices > E-Invoice)
Individually for customers/objects: If XRechnung is required, adjust it under Customers > Edit > Invoices > E-Invoice
With this configuration, Mendato meets all legal requirements for e-invoices.