HRA and HRB: commercial register sections

By the e-handelsregisterauszug.de editorial team · Published 16 Oct 2026 · Reviewed 17 Oct 2026

HRA and HRB identify the two sections of the commercial register. Section A includes sole merchants, OHGs and KGs; section B includes GmbHs, UGs (haftungsbeschränkt) and AGs.

Why the abbreviation matters

Keep HRA or HRB with the number and court. The legal form helps you navigate but does not replace matching the actual register sheet.

Distinguish other registers

Cooperative, partnership and civil-law partnership registers are separate registers. Use the entity’s stated register type rather than assuming it has an HRB number.

GmbH: German limited liability company

Understand the GmbH legal form, nominal capital, managing directors and which German register documents answer common research questions.

Registered merchant (e. K.)

Understand the German e. K. designation, sole merchants in register section A and the difference from a limited liability company.

KG: limited commercial partnership

Understand general partners, limited partners and registered liability amounts in a German Kommanditgesellschaft.

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