Shopping and Consumer Rights in Germany

Germany has strong consumer protection. For many online purchases you have 14 days to return goods without giving a reason (Widerrufsrecht). Products sold by businesses carry a two-year legal warranty (Gewährleistung) against defects. Stiftung Warentest (test.de) helps compare product quality before you buy.

For phone and internet contracts, see Phone and Internet Contracts. For cancelling subscriptions, see Cancelling Contracts in Germany. For credit checks when signing contracts, see Credit Report in Germany. For bottle deposits at supermarkets, see Grocery Shopping in Germany.

Online returns (Widerrufsrecht)

The right of withdrawal (Widerrufsrecht) gives you 14 days to cancel most online purchases from businesses, with no explanation required.

Exceptions include personalized or custom-made goods, sealed hygiene or software items you have opened, perishable goods, and services already fully performed.

How to use it

1. Notify the seller in writing within 14 days (email is fine).
2. Return the goods in time.
3. The seller must refund the product price and the original standard delivery cost you paid.
4. Return shipping may be your cost unless the seller offered free returns. Check their policy before you buy.

The 14-day period usually starts when you receive the item, not when you order it.

For major purchases, check test.de ratings first. Keep receipts for at least two years (a phone photo is enough).

Online shopping tips

You do not need the original box to return an item. Any packaging that protects the product is fine. You can be liable for damage from careless return packing.

Before you buy: screenshot product descriptions and prices in case of a dispute.

Payment: PayPal or credit card often give stronger buyer protection than a direct bank transfer (Überweisung).

If a product is defective, contact the seller first, not only the manufacturer.

Legal warranty (Gewährleistung) and manufacturerGarantie

Gewährleistung is the legal warranty against defects for two years from delivery (for consumer goods bought from a business).

• In the first 12 months, a defect is presumed to have existed at purchase. The seller must prove otherwise.
• After 12 months, you may need to show the defect existed at purchase.
• The seller must offer repair, replacement, or a refund.

A Garantie is a voluntary extra promise from the manufacturer, often one to five years. It adds to your legal rights. It does not replace Gewährleistung.

If the seller refuses a valid claim, document emails, photos, and receipts. Contact your local Verbraucherzentrale (see below). For disputes with EU sellers, the EU Consumer Redress portal lists dispute bodies in member states.

Product tests and common issues

Stiftung Warentest is an independent testing organization (founded 1964). Ratings use the German school scale: sehr gut (very good) through mangelhaft (poor). Many detailed tests on test.de are paid (often about €2.50 to €5 per test). Public libraries often stock the test magazine. In shops, look for Testsieger labels on top-rated products.

Shelf prices. If the checkout price differs from the shelf label, staff often honor the lower shelf price, though the law does not always require it. Take a photo if the difference is large.

Gift cards. Must stay valid for at least one year. Many last three years. Check expiry when you buy and before you use a card.

Pfand. Many drink containers carry a deposit: about €0.25 on single-use plastic bottles and cans, €0.08 to €0.15 on many reusable bottles. Supermarkets that sell the same brand usually accept returns.

Verbraucherzentrale and useful links

The Verbraucherzentrale is a network of consumer advice centers in every federal state. They publish free information on verbraucherzentrale.de. Personal consultations and formal letters to companies may involve a small fee.

• Stiftung Warentest (test.de)
• Verbraucherzentrale
• EU Consumer Redress