What is the difference between warranty and guarantee?

How the answer differs across 2 jurisdictions

The Short Answer

In Germany, 'warranty' (Gewährleistung) is a mandatory legal right under the BGB for defective goods; 'guarantee' (Garantie) is a voluntary, extra promise by the seller or manufacturer.

2 years
Legal warranty period
1 year
Burden of proof reversal
6 months
For live animals
2 years
For digital elements
SingaporeFull article
The Short Answer

In Singapore, a 'warranty' is a legally enforceable term under the Sale of Goods Act — breach gives rise to damages but not cancellation of the contract. A 'guarantee' is a voluntary promise by a seller or manufacturer, not automatically part of the contract unless incorporated, and has no statutory definition or automatic legal effect.

s. 14
Sale of Goods Act
Damages only
Warranty remedy
No cancellation
Breach effect
Not statutory
Guarantee status

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Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.