An extract from the debt enforcement register states whether any debt enforcement proceedings have been opened against you in the past 5 years.
If you want to rent an apartment, for example, your prospective landlord will often ask you for an extract in order to find out whether you are likely to pay your bills. The same applies if you wish to take out a loan from the bank or buy a car on hire purchase. You will also be asked to provide an extract if you apply for Swiss citizenship.