Papierkram
Simple German accounting with attractive free tier. Perfect for solopreneurs starting out.
Features
- ✓GoBD-compliant
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓Time tracking
- ✓Document management
- ✓EÜR
Pros
- Great free tier
- Simple interface
- Good for beginners
Cons
- Limited features on free plan
- Less powerful than lexoffice
Integrations
Connection Types
1 known connections
Best For
About Papierkram
Papierkram offers perhaps the most accessible entry point into German business accounting, with a genuinely useful free tier that many freelancers and small businesses never need to upgrade from. The platform provides GoBD-compliant bookkeeping, invoicing, and expense tracking—the core functions most small businesses need. The interface is cleaner and simpler than more powerful alternatives, reflecting the needs of users who don't want to become accounting experts. Time tracking is built in, making Papierkram particularly suitable for service businesses that bill by the hour. The free tier has limitations—primarily around the number of documents and advanced features—but for solo businesses with limited transaction volume, it covers the essentials. When you do need more, the paid plans are affordable at up to €20/month. For freelancers just starting out who want compliant bookkeeping without cost, Papierkram provides a practical starting point. As businesses grow and needs become more complex, migrating to more powerful tools like lexoffice is straightforward. Think of Papierkram as the training wheels of German business accounting—perfectly functional and appropriately simple.
Free Plan Details
- Unlimited invoices and documents
- Basic expense tracking
- Time tracking (basic)
- GoBD-compliant bookkeeping
- Bank account sync (one account)
- Perfect for beginning freelancers
Invoicing Made Simple
Create professional invoices in seconds with pre-filled customer data, automatic numbering, and customizable templates. Send invoices via email directly from Papierkram, track when clients view them, and manage payment reminders automatically. The invoicing system integrates with time tracking, so hourly billing is calculated automatically. Late payment reminders can be sent automatically after due dates.
Time Tracking for Service Businesses
- Start/stop timer for real-time tracking
- Manual time entry for past work
- Organize time entries by project or customer
- Auto-calculate billable hours
- Link time entries directly to invoices
- Excellent for freelance consultants and developers
GoBD Compliance Explained
GoBD (Grundsätze zur ordnungsmäßigen Führung und Aufbewahrung von Büchern) is the German regulation for proper record-keeping. Papierkram stores documents with immutable timestamps, maintains audit trails, and ensures tax-compliant bookkeeping. This means you can be confident your Papierkram records will satisfy tax auditors. The system automatically tracks who made changes and when, providing the transparency German tax authorities require.
Pricing Plans
- Free: All core features, one bank account
- Start: €10/month - Multiple accounts, advanced time tracking
- Professional: €20/month - All features, API access, team collaboration
- All plans include unlimited invoices and documents
Comparison with Competitors
vs lexoffice: Papierkram is simpler and cheaper, while lexoffice offers more advanced reporting and inventory features suitable for retail businesses. vs sevDesk: sevDesk has stronger CRM integration, but Papierkram's time tracking is more intuitive. vs Zoho: Zoho is more enterprise-oriented and expensive; Papierkram remains the most accessible for solopreneurs. Papierkram wins on simplicity and free tier generosity.
Perfect Use Cases
- Freelance consultants and coaches
- Creative professionals (designers, writers, photographers)
- Service providers (tutors, trainers, consultants)
- Small product businesses with limited transactions
- Businesses in transition between accounting tools
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