Receive e-invoices automatically.
Since 2025, businesses in Germany must be able to accept e-invoices. This workflow recognises them, makes them readable and passes the original on to your accounting.
- n8n
- DATEV
- Lexware Office
- sevDesk
- Inboxe-invoice arrives
- n8nrecognises the format, reads the data
- PDFreadable view for checking
- Accountingoriginal in the receipt inbox
An invoice nobody can read
An XRechnung is a pure data file. Open it and you see code instead of an invoice. ZUGFeRD looks like a PDF but contains data that counts. Many businesses print, search or ask the supplier for a PDF, even though they are required to accept the e-invoice.
The workflow checks incoming attachments in the invoice inbox.
It recognises whether it is an XRechnung, a ZUGFeRD invoice or a regular PDF.
From the e-invoice data, a readable PDF view is created so someone can check and approve it.
The key mandatory details are checked, such as invoice number, date, amounts and tax rate. If something is missing, you get an alert.
The unchanged original goes to your accounting: DATEV, Lexware Office or sevDesk.
What happens to which format
What matters: for bookkeeping, the original e-invoice is what counts. The readable view is only there for checking.
| Email inbox | Your accounting |
|---|---|
| XRechnung (XML) | Original plus readable PDF view |
| ZUGFeRD (PDF with data) | Original; data is read out |
| Regular PDF | as a receipt, as before |
| Missing mandatory details | Alert to you |
| Email inbox | Your accounting |
|---|---|
| Alert by email or Teams | Check result |
What matters
An integration is only finished when the special cases work too. These are the typical pitfalls, and this is how we solve them.
- The original stays the originalThe e-invoice is passed on and stored unchanged, as the retention rules require. The PDF view is only a reading aid.
- Two formats, one workflowXRechnung and ZUGFeRD are both recognised. You don’t need to know which format a supplier sends.
- Checked before paymentIf mandatory details are missing, you find out before you pay, not at the next audit.
- Your accounting staysWhether DATEV, Lexware Office or sevDesk: the e-invoice ends up where you already do your books.
FAQ
Do I already have to accept e-invoices?
Yes. Since 1 January 2025, businesses in Germany must be able to receive e-invoices from other businesses. Transition periods until 2027 and 2028 apply to issuing them.
Is an ordinary email inbox enough?
Yes, an inbox is enough to receive them. What matters is what happens next: making them readable, checking them, keeping the original. That is exactly what the workflow does.
What is the difference between XRechnung and ZUGFeRD?
XRechnung is a pure data file. ZUGFeRD is a PDF with the data embedded. Both count as e-invoices.
Where can I learn more?
The guide Automating e-invoices explains what is changing and what you should do now.
You can take care of these too
- Inbox
- n8n
- Storage
- Accounting
File receipts automatically from your inbox
Incoming invoices reach accounting without any searching.
- Schedule
- Accounting
- n8n
Friendly payment reminder, automatically
Open invoices are chased before it gets awkward.
- Pipedrive
- n8n
- Accounting
Invoice as soon as the order is won
Deal won, invoice created, accounting informed.
More in Accounting
Connect Pipedrive with Lexware Office
Deal won, draft invoice ready in Lexware Office.
PipedrivesevDeskConnect Pipedrive with sevDesk
Deal won, invoice created in sevDesk, also as an e-invoice.
Outlook or GmailDATEV Unternehmen onlineReceipts from your inbox straight into DATEV
Invoices from Outlook or Gmail land in DATEV on their own.
DATEV is a trademark of DATEV eG, Lexware Office is a trademark of Haufe-Lexware GmbH & Co. KG and sevDesk is a trademark of sevdesk GmbH. Lumen/21 is an independent service provider and has no business relationship with the manufacturers. The time stated is a typical guideline.
