GermanyWhat is the 14-day withdrawal period and when does it start?
In Germany, consumers have a 14-day legal right to withdraw from most online and off-premises purchases. The period starts either at contract conclusion or — for physical goods — when the consumer (or a designated person) receives the last item.
What the Law Says
German law gives consumers a clear, automatic right to cancel certain contracts without giving a reason. This right is not optional — it applies by law to most distance and off-premises sales, and sellers must inform buyers about it properly.
The 14-day withdrawal period is set out in the German Civil Code (BGB). It applies to consumer contracts — meaning agreements between individuals (not businesses) and professional sellers.
The exact start date depends on the type of contract. For most online purchases of physical goods, the clock begins only when you — or someone you’ve named (but not the courier) — physically receive the item. If multiple items are shipped separately, the period starts only after you get the *last* one.
However, if the seller fails to provide legally required withdrawal information (e.g., the model withdrawal form or clear notice of your rights), the 14-day period doesn’t begin at all — and instead, the right expires no earlier than 12 months and 14 days after the contract was signed.
Statutory TextDie Widerrufsfrist beträgt 14 Tage. Sie beginnt mit Vertragsschluss, soweit nichts anderes bestimmt ist.
— BGB § 355 — Right of withdrawal in consumer contracts
Statutory TextDie Widerrufsfrist beginnt bei einem Verbrauchsgüterkauf [...] sobald der Verbraucher oder ein von ihm benannter Dritter, der nicht Frachtführer ist, die Waren erhalten hat [...]
— BGB § 356 — Withdrawal period
Statutory TextDie Widerrufsfrist beginnt nicht, bevor der Unternehmer den Verbraucher entsprechend den Anforderungen [...] unterrichtet hat. Das Widerrufsrecht erlischt spätestens zwölf Monate und 14 Tage nach dem in Absatz 2 oder § 355 Absatz 2 Satz 2 genannten Zeitpunkt.
— BGB § 356(3) — Withdrawal period
What Courts Have Said
German courts have clarified how the withdrawal period applies in practice — especially for online orders and returns.
Consumers must return goods within 14 days of declaring withdrawal; the seller bears the risk of damage or loss during return shipping.
What to Do
Check whether you received proper withdrawal information (e.g., model form or clear notice) — if not, your deadline may be extended.
Count 14 calendar days starting from the day *after* you received the last item (for physical goods) or from contract signing (for digital services or unboxed content).
Send your withdrawal declaration clearly and in writing (email counts if confirmed) before the deadline ends.
Return the goods promptly — you have 14 days from your withdrawal declaration to ship them back.
Keep proof: save your withdrawal email and the return shipping receipt.
Sources
Related Questions
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.