GermanyCan I cancel a subscription I signed up for online?
Yes, you usually have a legal right to cancel most online subscriptions within 14 days under German consumer law — unless the service is excluded (e.g., personalized or time-sensitive services).
What the Law Says
German law gives consumers strong protection when signing up for subscriptions online — which are classified as 'distance contracts' (Fernabsatzverträge). The right to cancel (Widerrufsrecht) is automatic and does not require justification.
Under BGB § 312g, you have a statutory right to withdraw from most online subscription contracts — including streaming, software, fitness, news, or membership services — because they are distance contracts concluded outside business premises.
This right is governed by BGB § 355, which sets the standard 14-day withdrawal period. It starts the day after the contract is signed — not when the service begins or the free trial ends.
The law explicitly excludes certain contracts from withdrawal rights — but standard recurring subscriptions (e.g., Netflix, Spotify, gym memberships via website) are *not* on that list. Exclusions apply only to highly personalized, time-bound, or hygiene-sensitive services — none of which typically apply to general digital subscriptions.
Statutory TextDem Verbraucher steht bei außerhalb von Geschäftsräumen geschlossenen Verträgen und bei Fernabsatzverträgen ein Widerrufsrecht gemäß § 355 zu.
— BGB § 312g (1) — German Civil Code
Statutory TextDie Widerrufsfrist beträgt 14 Tage. Sie beginnt mit Vertragsschluss, soweit nichts anderes bestimmt ist.
— BGB § 355 (2) — German Civil Code
What Courts Have Said
German courts have reinforced consumer rights against deceptive subscription practices — especially hidden costs and manipulative interfaces.
An online subscription that auto-enrolls users into paid service after a 'free trial' without clear, upfront cost disclosure violates unfair competition law (UWG). Transparency about pricing and cancellation is mandatory.
Using 'dark patterns' — like confusing cancellation flows, hidden buttons, or requiring multiple steps to cancel — is an unfair commercial practice under UWG and invalidates the subscription’s enforceability.
What to Do
Check your confirmation email or account dashboard for the official withdrawal notice — it must include the deadline and a model withdrawal form.
Send your cancellation in writing (email is legally sufficient) before the 14-day deadline expires — no reason or proof needed.
If the company refuses or ignores your withdrawal, cite BGB § 355 and threaten formal complaint to the Bundesnetzagentur or Verbraucherzentrale.
Keep a copy of your withdrawal message and timestamp — this proves timely submission.
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.