Best Contract Lawyers in Germany

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Founded in 1911
English
Rechtsanwälte Honold & Partner mbB, established in 1911, is a distinguished law firm based in Karlsruhe, Germany, offering comprehensive legal services across a wide array of practice areas. The firm's team of specialized attorneys provides expert counsel in fields such as labor law, banking and...
W | S | H | P Rechtsanwälte und Notare
Frankfurt am Main, Germany

English
W | S | H | P Rechtsanwälte und Notare is a distinguished legal practice in Germany renowned for its comprehensive expertise across various legal disciplines and notarial services. Their team of proficient attorneys and notaries demonstrate a deep understanding of both domestic and international...
Gelbart Legal
Berlin, Germany

Founded in 2020
English
Gelbart Legal is a distinguished law firm with offices in Berlin and Tel Aviv, offering specialized legal services in real estate law, private construction and architectural law, public construction law, employment law, and media and press law. The firm's team comprises highly specialized attorneys...

6 people in their team
English
SRF Sickenberger Rehmet Frauenknecht Rechtsanwälte, Partnerschaft mbB is a Heilbronn-based law firm concentrated on commercial and private civil law. The practice fields a team of partners and attorneys with focused expertise in employment law, real estate and construction law, inheritance law and...

Founded in 1971
English
Rechtsanwaltskanzlei Dr. Herzog & Kollegen GbR, established in 1971, has grown into a prominent legal firm in Würzburg, Germany. With a team of eleven attorneys and fourteen legal assistants, the firm offers comprehensive legal services across various domains, including labor law, banking and...
Berlin, Germany

English
KORTE LAW is an international law firm specializing in cross-border business law and foreign investment, with a particular focus on Morocco. The firm provides comprehensive legal services to a diverse clientele, including publicly listed companies, international organizations, government entities,...

Founded in 2016
English
Rechtsanwälte Bürrig. Kanand. Willms, located in Aachen, Germany, is a distinguished law firm offering comprehensive legal services across various practice areas. The firm is led by founding partners Benjamin M. Bürrig, Norbert Kanand, and Christiane Willms, each bringing extensive experience...
Hahn und Partner
Hamburg, Germany

Founded in 1960
200 people in their team
German
English
Lawyers Hahn and Partners in HamburgThe law firm was founded on January 1, 1960 by attorney Gustav-Adolf Hahn († on February 21, 2011).Connections to independent medical associations formed the basis from which medical law initially developed as one of the main pillars of the law firm....
Rechtsanwalt Eike Fietz
Munich, Germany

Founded in 2021
English
Rechtsanwalt Eike Fietz is a distinguished German-qualified corporate and commercial lawyer with over two decades of transactional experience. His practice encompasses a broad spectrum of corporate and commercial matters, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), joint ventures, tax-driven...

Founded in 2011
English
Vogel & Partner Rechtsanwälte mbB, based in Stuttgart, Germany, is a distinguished law firm specializing in information technology (IT) law, data protection, intellectual property (IP), and media law. The firm offers comprehensive legal services, including drafting and negotiating IT contracts,...
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About Contract Law in Germany

Contract law in Germany is governed by the German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch, BGB), which provides a comprehensive framework for the formation, execution, and enforcement of contracts. The German legal system places a strong emphasis on the principle of freedom of contract, allowing parties to agree on the terms and conditions that best suit their needs, provided they do not contravene any legal prohibitions or statutory regulations. Key components of contracts must include mutual consent, an intention to create legal relations, and a lawful subject matter.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

While many contracts can be straightforward, there are numerous situations where you may require legal assistance. Common scenarios include:

  • Negotiating complex agreements, such as international sales contracts, distribution agreements, or joint ventures.
  • Resolving disputes due to breach of contract or misinterpretation of terms.
  • Ensuring compliance with local regulations, especially for foreign companies looking to do business in Germany.
  • Drafting and reviewing legal documentation to ensure enforceability and protection of rights.
  • Understanding your rights and obligations under German contract law.

Local Laws Overview

Some key aspects of local laws relevant to contracts in Germany include:

  • Offer and Acceptance: A contract is formed when an offer is accepted. This process is strictly defined within the BGB to ensure clarity and mutual consent.
  • Form Requirements: While verbal agreements are generally valid, certain contracts (such as real estate transactions) must be in writing.
  • Defects and Liabilities: The BGB outlines conditions for addressing defects in goods or services, including warranties and liabilities.
  • Unfair Terms: Consumer protection laws prevent unfair terms in standard form contracts.
  • Termination: Contracts may be terminated under specific conditions, such as mutual agreement, notice, or due to a breach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes a legally binding contract in Germany?

A legally binding contract in Germany requires an offer, acceptance, mutual intent to create legal relations, and consideration (something of value exchanged).

Are oral contracts binding in Germany?

Yes, oral contracts are binding, but certain types of contracts, such as property transactions, require written form to be legally enforceable.

How can I enforce a contract in Germany?

You may need to file a lawsuit in a German court if informal dispute resolution methods fail. A local lawyer can guide you through the process.

What are 'AGBs' in Germany?

'AGBs' (Allgemeine Geschäftsbedingungen) are standard terms and conditions. They can be part of a contract if presented to and accepted by the other party.

What is 'Schuldverhältnis'?

'Schuldverhältnis' refers to an obligation within the meaning of the BGB, encompassing both the rights and duties derived from a contractual relationship.

Can I cancel a contract after signing?

This depends on the contract terms and type. Generally, a legal right to revoke is available within fourteen days for consumer contracts, under specific conditions.

What happens if a contract term is considered unfair?

If a term is deemed unfair, it may be declared void, but the rest of the contract may still be enforceable.

What is the limitation period for contract claims?

The standard limitation period for contract claims in Germany is three years, starting at the end of the year in which the claim arose, but other periods may apply depending on circumstances.

Does German law apply to contracts made with foreign entities?

Generally, parties can choose applicable law, but consumer protection laws may limit this choice concerning consumer contracts within the EU.

How are disputes typically resolved?

Disputes may be resolved through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation, with litigation being a last resort if others fail.

Additional Resources

For further information and assistance, consider reaching out to:

  • The German Bar Association (Deutscher Anwaltverein) for finding legal professionals.
  • Consumer Advice Centers (Verbraucherzentrale) for consumer-related contract issues.
  • The Federal Ministry of Justice for official publications and legal texts.
  • Trade organizations like the German Chamber of Commerce for business-related contracts.

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance with a contract in Germany, consider the following steps:

  • Identify the specific legal issue or question you need help with.
  • Gather all relevant documents and information related to your contract.
  • Consult a lawyer specializing in German contract law for personalized advice.
  • Consider alternative dispute resolution methods as a potentially quicker and less costly option.
  • Prepare for possible further legal proceedings if necessary, under the guidance of your lawyer.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Germany through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Contract, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.