Private legal relationships and claims
Civil law concerns legal relationships between individuals and businesses. Common questions arise when contracts are concluded or performed, payments are outstanding, defects occur or damage is caused. The legal consequence depends on the particular basis of the claim, the agreements and the events that can be proved.
Assessing the contract and facts
- Who are the contracting parties, and what was actually agreed?
- Which performance has or has not yet been provided?
- Has a defect been notified or a deadline set?
- What claim is being made, and what evidence supports it?
Keep the contract, standard terms, invoices, proof of payment and correspondence. The sequence of events is often important for assessment. A clear compilation helps distinguish undisputed facts from the points in dispute.
Deadlines and limitation periods
Under section 195 of the German Civil Code (BGB), the standard limitation period is three years. Its commencement is generally governed by section 199 BGB and depends, among other things, on the claim arising and knowledge of the relevant circumstances. Special periods and different rules also exist. The invoice date alone therefore does not reliably establish the end of the limitation period for every claim.
Contractual or court deadlines may also require a prompt response. Have existing deadlines checked before making a statement or leaving a claim unanswered.
Related topics and contact
Further information is available on our pages about tenancy law, real estate law (in German) and damages law. To contact STEINWACHS, use our office overview and state known deadlines.
Statutory sources
- Section 195 BGB – Standard limitation period
- Section 199 BGB – Commencement of the limitation period
As of 8 October 2026. General information; legal assessment depends on the individual case.