Guides on contracts and legal texts

Contract for work: what it governs and how it differs from a service contract

Under a contract for work (Werkvertrag), the contractor promises a result, for example a repaired heating system, a finished website or an expert report, and the customer promises the remuneration (Sec. 631 BGB). Payment is due on acceptance, which for work on things also starts the two-year limitation period for claims for defects (Sec. 641, Sec. 634a BGB). Under a service contract, by contrast, only the activity is owed, not the result.