What is the liability of supervisors for those under their care?

What the Law Says

German law holds supervisors strictly accountable for harm caused by people under their care—especially minors or individuals with mental or physical impairments. This liability arises automatically unless the supervisor proves they fulfilled their duty—or that the harm would have happened even with proper supervision.

BGB § 832 establishes two types of supervisory liability: statutory (e.g., parents of minor children) and contractual (e.g., daycare staff or private tutors). It applies only when the person under supervision lacks full capacity—due to age, mental condition, or physical disability—and causes unlawful harm to a third party.

The supervisor does not need to be negligent for liability to arise. Instead, the law presumes liability—but allows a defense: the supervisor can avoid responsibility by proving either (1) they exercised proper supervision, or (2) the damage would have occurred even with proper supervision. This places the burden of proof squarely on the supervisor.

Importantly, this rule does not cover harm the supervised person causes to themselves—it only applies to damage inflicted on others (third parties). Also, it does not replace personal liability of the supervised person if they are capable of fault (e.g., an older teen acting intentionally); rather, it adds a layer of vicarious accountability.

Statutory Text

Wer kraft Gesetzes zur Führung der Aufsicht über eine Person verpflichtet ist, die wegen Minderjährigkeit oder wegen ihres geistigen oder körperlichen Zustands der Beaufsichtigung bedarf, ist zum Ersatz des Schadens verpflichtet, den diese Person einem Dritten widerrechtlich zufügt. Die Ersatzpflicht tritt nicht ein, wenn er seiner Aufsichtspflicht genügt oder wenn der Schaden auch bei gehöriger Aufsichtsführung entstanden sein würde.

— BGB § 832 (1) — Supervisor's liability for persons under care

Statutory Text

Die gleiche Verantwortlichkeit trifft denjenigen, welcher die Führung der Aufsicht durch Vertrag übernimmt.

— BGB § 832 (2) — Contractual assumption of supervision

What Courts Have Said

German courts consistently apply BGB § 832 to hold parents and professional caregivers liable—unless they clearly demonstrate diligent supervision.

What to Do

Sources

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