GermanyWhat is the duty to maintain safe premises (Verkehrssicherungspflicht)?
In Germany, property owners and occupiers must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm to visitors — a legal obligation called Verkehrssicherungspflicht — or face liability under § 823 BGB.
What the Law Says
The duty to maintain safe premises — known in German law as Verkehrssicherungspflicht — is not codified in a single statute but arises from general principles of tort law, primarily through interpretation of § 823 of the German Civil Code (BGB). It imposes an active obligation on property owners, tenants, and others in control of premises to identify, warn against, and eliminate hazards that could foreseeably injure visitors.
This duty applies to all types of premises — private homes, commercial buildings, sidewalks, parking lots, and public spaces under private management. The scope depends on the nature of the location, frequency of use, and vulnerability of expected users (e.g., children or elderly persons).
Crucially, Verkehrssicherungspflicht is not absolute: it only requires what is objectively reasonable under the circumstances — not perfection. For example, clearing snow and ice from a sidewalk may be required in urban areas during winter, but not necessarily on a remote forest path.
Failure to meet this duty can result in liability for personal injury or property damage if the breach directly causes harm and meets the elements of § 823 BGB — namely, unlawful, negligent (or intentional) violation of a protected interest (life, body, health, etc.).
Statutory TextWer vorsätzlich oder fahrlässig das Leben, den Körper, die Gesundheit, die Freiheit, das Eigentum oder ein sonstiges Recht eines anderen widerrechtlich verletzt, ist dem anderen zum Ersatz des daraus entstehenden Schadens verpflichtet.
— BGB § 823 (1) — German Civil Code
Statutory TextDie gleiche Verpflichtung trifft denjenigen, welcher gegen ein den Schutz eines anderen bezweckendes Gesetz verstößt. Ist nach dem Inhalt des Gesetzes ein Verstoß gegen dieses auch ohne Verschulden möglich, so tritt die Ersatzpflicht nur im Falle des Verschuldens ein.
— BGB § 823 (2) — German Civil Code
What Courts Have Said
German courts have consistently held that Verkehrssicherungspflicht is a core component of tortious liability under § 823 BGB — especially where physical safety is at stake. The Bundesgerichtshof has clarified how this duty applies in real-world scenarios involving common hazards.
A property owner failed to clear ice from a sidewalk adjacent to their building. A passerby slipped and suffered injury. The BGH affirmed liability, holding that the owner breached their Verkehrssicherungspflicht because icy conditions were foreseeable in winter, and basic de-icing or salting was a reasonable, low-cost preventive measure expected of urban property owners.
What to Do
Inspect your property regularly for hazards (e.g., uneven pavement, loose tiles, icy surfaces, poor lighting).
Take timely, reasonable action to fix or warn about dangers — e.g., place warning signs, install handrails, or apply grit/salt in winter.
Document inspections and maintenance (e.g., photos, logs) to support due diligence if a claim arises.
Review insurance coverage — many private liability policies (Privathaftpflichtversicherung) cover claims arising from Verkehrssicherungspflicht breaches.
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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.