{"id":5117,"date":"2026-07-24T22:14:39","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T20:14:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/knowledge-base\/vob-b-german-construction-contract\/"},"modified":"2026-10-22T17:28:41","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T15:28:41","slug":"vob-b-german-construction-contract","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/vob-b-german-construction-contract\/","title":{"rendered":"VOB\/B in English: the German construction contract terms explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<div id=\"progress\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\r\n\r\n<header>\r\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\r\n    <a href=\"\/en\/\" class=\"brand\" aria-label=\"BWLAW\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/bwlaw-child-1\/assets\/img\/logo-bw.png\" alt=\"BWLAW \u2013 law firm in Germany\" width=\"42\" height=\"28\"><\/a>\r\n    <nav aria-label=\"Main navigation\">\r\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/practice-areas\/construction-law\/\">Construction law<\/a>\r\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/practice-areas\/debt-collection\/\">Debt collection<\/a>\r\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/practice-areas\/company-formation\/\">Corporate law<\/a>\r\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/practice-areas\/employment-law\/\">Employment law<\/a>\r\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/\" class=\"active\">Knowledge base<\/a>\r\n      <a href=\"\/en\/#zespol\">Team<\/a>\r\n    <\/nav>\r\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/practice-areas\/construction-law\/#kontakt\" class=\"btn\">Contact us <span class=\"arr\">\u2192<\/span><\/a>\r\n    <button class=\"burger\" aria-label=\"Menu\">\u2630<\/button>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/header>\r\n\r\n<section class=\"shero\" style=\"padding-bottom:3.5rem\">\r\n  <div class=\"glow\"><\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"wrap\" style=\"grid-template-columns:1fr\">\r\n    <div>\r\n      <nav class=\"crumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\"><a href=\"\/en\/\">Home<\/a><span>\/<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/\">Knowledge base<\/a><span>\/<\/span><b>Construction<\/b><\/nav>\r\n      <span class=\"eyebrow\">Construction \u00b7 pillar guide<\/span>\r\n      <h1 style=\"max-width:30ch\">VOB\/B in English: the German construction contract terms explained<\/h1>\r\n      <p class=\"lead\">Hardly any larger construction contract in Germany comes without a reference to VOB\/B. Whoever signs with this clause plays by different rules than the Civil Code: different limitation periods, a different acceptance regime, different billing rules. This guide sums up what foreign contractors need to know about VOB\/B \u2014 with links to our detailed articles.<\/p>\r\n      <div class=\"art-meta\">\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/bwlaw-child-1\/assets\/img\/dr-artur-barczewski.webp\" alt=\"Dr. Artur Barczewski\" loading=\"lazy\">\r\n        <div><b>Dr. Artur Barczewski<\/b>niedergelassener europ\u00e4ischer Rechtsanwalt \/ Radca prawny<\/div>\r\n        <div style=\"margin-left:1rem;border-left:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.25);padding-left:1rem\">\u2248 9 min read<br>updated: July 2026<\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<article class=\"sec\">\r\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\r\n    <div class=\"prose rv\" style=\"font-size:1.02rem\">\r\n      <style>\r\n.prose .bwsum{margin:2.4rem 0 2.8rem;border:1px solid var(--line,#E5DED6);border-radius:22px;background:var(--ivory,#FAF7F3);padding:clamp(1.1rem,3vw,1.7rem);color:var(--ink,#161513);font-family:var(--font-body)}.prose 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.bwprob__cols{display:flex;align-items:stretch;margin:0;padding:0;list-style:none;position:relative;z-index:1}.prose .bwprob__cols li{flex:1 1 0;display:flex;align-items:stretch;margin:0;padding:0;list-style:none}.prose .bwprob__cols li+li:before{content:\"\";flex:0 0 22px;align-self:center;height:14px;background:#E8946B;clip-path:polygon(0 35%,55% 35%,55% 0,100% 50%,55% 100%,55% 65%,0 65%);margin:0 4px}.prose .bwprob__c{flex:1;background:rgba(255,255,255,.06);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.13);border-radius:16px;padding:.9rem .95rem}.prose .bwprob__c svg{display:block;width:30px;height:30px;margin:0 0 .5rem}.prose .bwprob__c b{display:block;font-family:var(--font-head);font-size:.98rem;color:#fff;margin:0 0 .3rem}.prose .bwprob__c span{display:block;font-size:.86rem;line-height:1.5;color:rgba(255,255,255,.8);hyphens:auto;overflow-wrap:break-word}.prose .bwprob__c--act{background:var(--terra,#C25531);border-color:var(--terra,#C25531)}.prose .bwprob__c--act span{color:#fff}.prose .bwprob__rule{margin:1rem 0 0;font-size:.84rem;color:rgba(255,255,255,.72);position:relative;z-index:1;line-height:1.5}.prose .bwprob__rule b{color:#fff}\r\n@media (max-width:640px){.prose .bwprob__cols,.prose .bwsum__steps{flex-direction:column}.prose .bwprob__cols li,.prose .bwsum__steps li{flex-direction:column}.prose .bwprob__cols li+li:before,.prose .bwsum__steps li+li:before{flex:0 0 18px;width:14px;height:18px;margin:4px auto;clip-path:polygon(35% 0,65% 0,65% 55%,100% 55%,50% 100%,0 55%,35% 55%)}}\r\n@media (max-width:560px){.prose .bwsum__grid,.prose .bwsum__grid--2,.prose .bwsum__cmp{grid-template-columns:1fr}.prose .bwsum__row{grid-template-columns:1fr}.prose .bwsum__bar{font-size:.66rem}.prose .bwprob__key{flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start;gap:.4rem}.prose .bwsum__tbl thead{display:none}.prose .bwsum__tbl,.prose .bwsum__tbl tbody,.prose .bwsum__tbl tr,.prose .bwsum__tbl td{display:block;width:auto}.prose .bwsum__tbl tr{border-top:1px solid var(--line,#E5DED6);padding:.55rem .75rem}.prose .bwsum__tbl tr:first-child{border-top:0}.prose .bwsum__tbl td{border:0;padding:.08rem 0}.prose .bwsum__tbl td[data-l]:before{content:attr(data-l) \": \";font-weight:600;color:var(--ink-soft,#4A4642)}}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<figure class=\"bwprob\" aria-label=\"Whoever signs VOB\/B plays by different rules than the Civil Code\" style=\"margin-left:0;margin-right:0\"><p class=\"bwprob__eye\">The problem in one picture<\/p><p class=\"bwprob__t\">Whoever signs VOB\/B plays by different rules than the Civil Code<\/p><p class=\"bwprob__lead\">VOB\/B is not a statute but a set of standard terms. It applies only if incorporated into the contract, practically always in public procurement. Then form and deadlines decide.<\/p><div class=\"bwprob__key\"><strong>12 working days<\/strong><span>After written notice of completion the works are deemed accepted, no deadline-setting required. 6 working days after the client takes them into use.<\/span><\/div><ol class=\"bwprob__cols\"><li><div class=\"bwprob__c\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#E8946B\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M12 3 2.5 20h19z\"\/><path d=\"M12 10v4.5\"\/><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"17.2\" r=\".6\" fill=\"#E8946B\"\/><\/svg><b>The risk<\/b><span>Objections and hindrances raised only orally, extra work not announced before starting: the condition for the claim is missing.<\/span><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"bwprob__c\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#E8946B\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"9\"\/><path d=\"M15.5 8.6a4.2 4.2 0 1 0 0 6.8\"\/><path d=\"M7 10.8h6M7 13.2h6\"\/><\/svg><b>What it costs<\/b><span>Extra work, hindrance costs, further amounts. Without a written reservation after the final-payment notification, further claims are generally excluded.<\/span><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"bwprob__c bwprob__c--act\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#fff\" stroke-width=\"1.9\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"9\"\/><path d=\"m7.8 12.3 2.8 2.8 5.6-5.8\"\/><\/svg><b>What to do<\/b><span>Check the contract: VOB\/B incorporated unchanged? Everything in writing: objections, hindrance notices, announcing extra work, reservation after final payment.<\/span><\/div><\/li><\/ol><p class=\"bwprob__rule\"><b>Rule of thumb:<\/b> under VOB\/B, form decides. What is not notified in time and in writing weakens your own position.<\/p><\/figure>\r\n<h3 style=\"font-size:1.35rem;margin-top:2.2rem\">What the VOB is \u2014 and what it consists of<\/h3>\r\n      <p>The VOB (Vergabe- und Vertragsordnung f\u00fcr Bauleistungen) has three parts: Part A governs procurement, Part B the contract conditions for execution, Part C the general technical specifications of the individual trades (ATV DIN). For daily practice Part B matters most \u2014 <strong>a ready-made set of contract terms<\/strong> that the parties incorporate into their agreement.<\/p>\r\n      <p>Crucially, <strong>VOB\/B is not a statute<\/strong>. It is a set of standard terms and applies only if incorporated into the contract \u2014 practically always in public procurement and very often in private projects. Without incorporation, the construction contract law of the German Civil Code (BGB) applies.<\/p>\r\n\r\n      <figure class=\"bwsum\" aria-label=\"Three parts, but day to day Part B is what counts\" style=\"margin-left:0;margin-right:0\"><p class=\"bwsum__eye\">At a glance<\/p><p class=\"bwsum__t\">Three parts, but day to day Part B is what counts<\/p><div class=\"bwsum__bar\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"VOB Part A procurement, Part B contract conditions, Part C technical specifications\"><div class=\"t-grey\" style=\"flex:3\">Part A<br>procurement<\/div><div class=\"t-terra\" style=\"flex:5\">Part B<br>contract conditions for execution<\/div><div class=\"t-ink\" style=\"flex:3\">Part C<br>ATV DIN for the trades<\/div><\/div><div class=\"bwsum__warn\"><b>Not a statute:<\/b> VOB\/B is a set of standard terms. It applies only if incorporated into the contract. Otherwise the construction contract law of the BGB applies.<\/div><p class=\"bwsum__note\">Practically always incorporated in public procurement, very often in private projects.<\/p><\/figure>\r\n<h3 style=\"font-size:1.35rem;margin-top:2.2rem\">VOB\/B versus BGB: what really differs<\/h3>\r\n      <p>The limitation period for defect claims is shorter: generally <strong>4 years from acceptance<\/strong> for buildings (sec. 13(4) VOB\/B) instead of 5 years under the BGB. Fictitious acceptance exists in both regimes today \u2014 since 1 January 2018 also in the BGB (sec. 640(2)) \u2014 but the mechanics differ. Under the BGB the contractor must set the client a reasonable deadline for acceptance, and the fiction fails if the client refuses in time citing at least one defect. Note for consumer clients: against a consumer the BGB fiction only works if the contractor, together with the request for acceptance, has informed them in text form of the consequences of staying silent or refusing without naming a defect (sec. 640(2) sentence 2 BGB). Under sec. 12(5) VOB\/B a written notice of completion and the lapse of 12 working days suffice, or 6 working days after the client takes the works into use \u2014 <strong>no deadline-setting required<\/strong>. The client\u2019s right to order changes likewise exists in both regimes (since 2018 sec. 650b BGB with a negotiation procedure) \u2014 VOB\/B handles it more directly in sec. 1(3) and (4) and ties formalised remuneration paths to it in sec. 2.<\/p>\r\n      <p>Even the formal rigour now largely has BGB counterparts: since 2018 a verifiable final invoice is a condition of payment also under sec. 650g(4) BGB, duties to examine and warn apply to BGB contracts under the case law, and secs. 650b and 650c BGB govern changes and their remuneration. Specific to VOB\/B remain above all the shorter limitation period, the automatic fiction of acceptance, <strong>the written form of objections and hindrance notices as a condition of claims<\/strong> (secs. 4(3) and 6(1) VOB\/B), the announcement under sec. 2(6) and <strong>the final-payment trap of sec. 16(3)<\/strong> \u2014 the latter without a BGB equivalent.<\/p>\r\n      <p>A nuance worth knowing: as long as VOB\/B is incorporated <strong>as a whole and unchanged<\/strong>, its clauses are exempt from judicial review of standard terms. Once the parties modify even single provisions, the privilege falls away and individual clauses can be reviewed like any other standard terms. Since clients often combine VOB\/B with their own conditions, it pays to check whether disadvantageous clauses are effective at all.<\/p>\r\n\r\n      <figure class=\"bwsum\" aria-label=\"What VOB\/B changes compared with the BGB\" style=\"margin-left:0;margin-right:0\"><p class=\"bwsum__eye\">At a glance<\/p><p class=\"bwsum__t\">What VOB\/B changes compared with the BGB<\/p><table class=\"bwsum__tbl\"><thead><tr><th>Topic<\/th><th>BGB<\/th><th>VOB\/B<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Limitation for buildings<\/td><td data-l=\"BGB\">5 years<\/td><td class=\"bwsum__yes\" data-l=\"VOB\/B\">generally 4 years from acceptance (sec. 13(4))<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fictitious acceptance<\/td><td data-l=\"BGB\">Contractor sets a deadline. Fails if the client refuses citing at least one defect<\/td><td class=\"bwsum__yes\" data-l=\"VOB\/B\">12 working days after written notice of completion, no deadline-setting<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Objections and hindrances<\/td><td data-l=\"BGB\">duties to examine and warn under the case law<\/td><td class=\"bwsum__yes\" data-l=\"VOB\/B\">written form as a condition of claims (secs. 4(3) and 6(1))<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Verifiable final invoice<\/td><td data-l=\"BGB\">condition of payment since 2018 (sec. 650g(4))<\/td><td data-l=\"VOB\/B\">also a condition of payment<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Final payment<\/td><td data-l=\"BGB\">no equivalent<\/td><td class=\"bwsum__yes\" data-l=\"VOB\/B\">final-payment trap (sec. 16(3))<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><div class=\"bwsum__warn\"><b>Privileged only if unchanged:<\/b> incorporated as a whole and unchanged, VOB\/B is exempt from judicial review of standard terms. Modifying even single provisions makes individual clauses reviewable.<\/div><p class=\"bwsum__note\">Highlighted: rules specific to VOB\/B. The client\u2019s right to order changes exists in both regimes (sec. 1(3) and (4) VOB\/B, sec. 650b BGB).<\/p><\/figure>\r\n<h3 style=\"font-size:1.35rem;margin-top:2.2rem\">Remuneration and extra work (sec. 2 VOB\/B)<\/h3>\r\n      <p>If the design changes or the client issues other instructions that shift the basis of the price, a new price reflecting the additional or reduced costs is to be agreed (sec. 2(5) VOB\/B). For work not covered by the contract the contractor may claim separate remuneration, but must <strong>announce the claim before starting the work<\/strong> (sec. 2(6) VOB\/B). How to price and enforce extra work is covered in our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/extra-work-nachtrag-german-construction\/\">Nachtrag claims<\/a>, including the fast track of an <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/interim-payment-injunction-german-construction\/\">interim payment injunction<\/a>. Hourly work is only remunerated if expressly agreed before it begins (sec. 2(10), sec. 15 VOB\/B) \u2014 see our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/construction-timesheets-germany\/\">construction timesheets<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n      <figure class=\"bwsum\" aria-label=\"Two routes to an extra-work claim\" style=\"margin-left:0;margin-right:0\"><p class=\"bwsum__eye\">At a glance<\/p><p class=\"bwsum__t\">Two routes to an extra-work claim<\/p><div class=\"bwsum__cmp\"><div class=\"bwsum__col bwsum__col--neutral\"><b>Changed design or other instructions (sec. 2(5))<\/b><ul><li>The client changes the design or issues other instructions<\/li><li>The basis of the price shifts<\/li><li>A new price reflecting additional or reduced costs is to be agreed<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"bwsum__col bwsum__col--neutral\"><b>Work not covered by the contract (sec. 2(6))<\/b><ul><li>The contract does not provide for the work<\/li><li>Claim to separate remuneration<\/li><li>Required: announcement before starting the work<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"bwsum__warn\"><b>Hourly work:<\/b> remunerated only if expressly agreed before it begins (sec. 2(10), sec. 15 VOB\/B).<\/div><p class=\"bwsum__note\">For urgent cases there is also the fast track of an interim payment injunction.<\/p><\/figure>\r\n<h3 style=\"font-size:1.35rem;margin-top:2.2rem\">Execution: objections and hindrances (secs. 4 and 6 VOB\/B)<\/h3>\r\n      <p>Objections against the planned manner of execution, against materials supplied by the client or against preliminary work of other contractors must be raised without delay and in writing (sec. 4(3) VOB\/B) \u2014 that is how the contractor escapes liability for third-party errors. When work is obstructed, the written <strong>notice of hindrance<\/strong> is decisive (sec. 6(1) VOB\/B). Damages for hindrances attributable to the client cover the proven loss, lost profit only in cases of intent or gross negligence (sec. 6(6) VOB\/B). When the compensation claim under sec. 642 BGB applies instead is explained in our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/construction-delay-claims-germany\/\">construction delays<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n      <figure class=\"bwsum\" aria-label=\"In writing or not: that decides the claim\" style=\"margin-left:0;margin-right:0\"><p class=\"bwsum__eye\">At a glance<\/p><p class=\"bwsum__t\">In writing or not: that decides the claim<\/p><ul class=\"bwsum__amp\"><li class=\"g\"><i><\/i><div><b>Objections raised without delay and in writing<\/b><span>The contractor escapes liability for third-party errors, e.g. client-supplied materials or other contractors\u2019 preliminary work (sec. 4(3)).<\/span><\/div><\/li><li class=\"g\"><i><\/i><div><b>Written notice of hindrance<\/b><span>Decisive when work is obstructed (sec. 6(1)).<\/span><\/div><\/li><li class=\"y\"><i><\/i><div><b>Damages for hindrances<\/b><span>Proven loss. Lost profit only in cases of intent or gross negligence (sec. 6(6)).<\/span><\/div><\/li><li class=\"r\"><i><\/i><div><b>Notified only orally<\/b><span>No release from liability for third-party errors. Without the written notice a condition of the claim is missing.<\/span><\/div><\/li><\/ul><p class=\"bwsum__note\">Green: protected. Yellow: claim limited. Red: protection or claim missing. Instead of damages, the compensation claim under sec. 642 BGB may apply.<\/p><\/figure>\r\n<h3 style=\"font-size:1.35rem;margin-top:2.2rem\">Acceptance (sec. 12 VOB\/B)<\/h3>\r\n      <p>After completion the contractor may demand acceptance, and a formal acceptance takes place at either party\u2019s request (sec. 12(4) VOB\/B) \u2014 if necessary even in the contractor\u2019s absence. Most important in practice is <strong>fictitious acceptance under sec. 12(5)<\/strong>: after written notice of completion, the works are deemed accepted after 12 working days, or 6 working days after the client takes the works into use. What acceptance means for payment and the burden of proof is covered in our <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/acceptance-construction-works-germany\/\">acceptance guide<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n      <figure class=\"bwsum\" aria-label=\"Fictitious acceptance: the clock starts with the notice of completion\" style=\"margin-left:0;margin-right:0\"><p class=\"bwsum__eye\">At a glance<\/p><p class=\"bwsum__t\">Fictitious acceptance: the clock starts with the notice of completion<\/p><ol class=\"bwsum__tl\"><li><b>Completion<\/b> \u00b7 The contractor may demand acceptance. A formal acceptance takes place at either party\u2019s request (sec. 12(4)).<\/li><li><b>Written notice of completion<\/b> \u00b7 From here the working days for fictitious acceptance count (sec. 12(5)).<\/li><li class=\"bwsum__end\"><b>after 12 working days<\/b> \u00b7 The works are deemed accepted, no deadline-setting required.<\/li><\/ol><div class=\"bwsum__warn\"><b>Taken into use:<\/b> if the client takes the works into use, they are deemed accepted after 6 working days.<\/div><p class=\"bwsum__note\">Formal acceptance can take place even in the contractor\u2019s absence. Acceptance matters for payment and the burden of proof.<\/p><\/figure>\r\n<h3 style=\"font-size:1.35rem;margin-top:2.2rem\">Defects and limitation (sec. 13 VOB\/B)<\/h3>\r\n      <p>Defect claims for buildings generally become time-barred <strong>4 years after acceptance<\/strong>, earlier for certain works (sec. 13(4) VOB\/B). A written defect notice before expiry extends protection for that defect. Who must prove which defect is the subject of our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/construction-defects-burden-of-proof-germany\/\">the burden of proof<\/a>. And from the BGB: retention for defects survives limitation under sec. 215 BGB if the defect appeared in time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n      <figure class=\"bwsum\" aria-label=\"4 years instead of 5: the defect period runs from acceptance\" style=\"margin-left:0;margin-right:0\"><p class=\"bwsum__eye\">At a glance<\/p><p class=\"bwsum__t\">4 years instead of 5: the defect period runs from acceptance<\/p><div class=\"bwsum__stats\"><div class=\"bwsum__stat\"><strong class=\"bwsum__num\">4 years<\/strong><span>limitation of defect claims for buildings, generally, from acceptance (sec. 13(4) VOB\/B). Earlier for certain works.<\/span><\/div><div class=\"bwsum__stat\"><strong class=\"bwsum__num\">5 years<\/strong><span>under the BGB<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"bwsum__warn\"><b>Notify in writing before expiry:<\/b> a written defect notice extends protection for that defect.<\/div><p class=\"bwsum__note\">From the BGB: retention for defects survives limitation under sec. 215 BGB if the defect appeared in time.<\/p><\/figure>\r\n<h3 style=\"font-size:1.35rem;margin-top:2.2rem\">Billing and payment (secs. 14 and 16 VOB\/B)<\/h3>\r\n      <p>Invoices must be verifiable: clearly structured, following the order of the contract items, with measurements and supporting documents (sec. 14(1) VOB\/B). A non-verifiable final invoice does not become due \u2014 we show how to do it right in our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/compensation-terminated-construction-contract-germany\/\">compensation after termination<\/a>. The final payment generally falls due 30 days after receipt of a verifiable final invoice (sec. 16(3) VOB\/B). Beware <strong>the final-payment trap<\/strong>: after notification of the final payment, a contractor who wants to claim more must declare a written reservation in short order \u2014 otherwise further claims are generally excluded.<\/p>\r\n\r\n      <figure class=\"bwsum\" aria-label=\"From final invoice to final payment: three stages, one trap\" style=\"margin-left:0;margin-right:0\"><p class=\"bwsum__eye\">At a glance<\/p><p class=\"bwsum__t\">From final invoice to final payment: three stages, one trap<\/p><ol class=\"bwsum__steps\"><li><div class=\"bwsum__c\"><span class=\"bwsum__n\">1<\/span><b>Verifiable invoice<\/b><span>Clearly structured, in the order of the contract items, with measurements and supporting documents. Otherwise not due.<\/span><span class=\"bwsum__p\">sec. 14(1) VOB\/B<\/span><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"bwsum__c\"><span class=\"bwsum__n\">2<\/span><b>Due date<\/b><span>The final payment generally falls due 30 days after receipt of a verifiable final invoice.<\/span><span class=\"bwsum__p\">sec. 16(3) VOB\/B<\/span><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"bwsum__c\"><span class=\"bwsum__n\">3<\/span><b>Reservation<\/b><span>After notification of the final payment, declare a written reservation in short order if you want to claim more.<\/span><\/div><\/li><\/ol><div class=\"bwsum__warn\"><b>Final-payment trap:<\/b> without a reservation, further claims are generally excluded. The BGB has no equivalent.<\/div><p class=\"bwsum__note\">React immediately after a final-payment notification.<\/p><\/figure>\r\n<h3 style=\"font-size:1.35rem;margin-top:2.2rem\">Securities and termination (secs. 17, 8 and 9 VOB\/B)<\/h3>\r\n      <p>Security can be provided by retention, deposit or a guarantee from a bank or insurer (sec. 17 VOB\/B) \u2014 amount and release are frequent points of dispute. The client may terminate the contract at any time before completion (sec. 8(1) VOB\/B), but then owes the agreed remuneration minus saved expenses. The contractor has termination rights of its own \u2014 we cover the BGB routes under <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/termination-construction-contract-germany\/\">sec. 648a BGB<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/contractor-termination-643-bgb\/\">sec. 643 BGB<\/a> separately. Whatever the regime, check the <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/arbitration-clause-german-contract\/\">dispute-resolution clauses<\/a> too.<\/p>\r\n\r\n      <figure class=\"bwsum\" aria-label=\"Security and termination: who owes what?\" style=\"margin-left:0;margin-right:0\"><p class=\"bwsum__eye\">At a glance<\/p><p class=\"bwsum__t\">Security and termination: who owes what?<\/p><div class=\"bwsum__grid\"><div class=\"bwsum__c\"><b>Security<\/b><span>Retention, deposit or a guarantee from a bank or insurer. Amount and release are frequent points of dispute.<\/span><span class=\"bwsum__p\">sec. 17 VOB\/B<\/span><\/div><div class=\"bwsum__c\"><b>Client terminates<\/b><span>Possible at any time before completion. The client then owes the agreed remuneration minus saved expenses.<\/span><span class=\"bwsum__p\">sec. 8(1) VOB\/B<\/span><\/div><div class=\"bwsum__c\"><b>Contractor terminates<\/b><span>The contractor has termination rights of its own. BGB routes: sec. 648a BGB and sec. 643 BGB.<\/span><span class=\"bwsum__p\">sec. 9 VOB\/B<\/span><\/div><\/div><p class=\"bwsum__note\">Whatever the regime, check the dispute-resolution clauses too.<\/p><\/figure>\r\n<h3 style=\"font-size:1.35rem;margin-top:2.2rem\">Series: VOB\/B clause by clause<\/h3>\r\n      <p>We are preparing a series of in-depth commentaries on every VOB\/B provision: what it regulates, how it works in practice, typical disputes and case law \u2014 each with a longer video. Links will appear below as the commentaries are published.<\/p>\r\n      <ul style=\"columns:2;column-gap:2rem;font-size:.95rem\">\r\n        <li>Sec. 1 Nature and scope of the works<\/li>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/vob-b-section-2-pricing\/\">Sec. 2 Remuneration and extra work \u2192<\/a><\/li>\r\n        <li>Sec. 3 Execution documents<\/li>\r\n        <li>Sec. 4 Execution and objections<\/li>\r\n        <li>Sec. 5 Deadlines<\/li>\r\n        <li>Sec. 6 Hindrance and interruption<\/li>\r\n        <li>Sec. 7 Allocation of risk<\/li>\r\n        <li>Sec. 8 Termination by the client<\/li>\r\n        <li>Sec. 9 Termination by the contractor<\/li>\r\n        <li>Sec. 10 Liability<\/li>\r\n        <li>Sec. 11 Contractual penalty<\/li>\r\n        <li>Sec. 12 Acceptance (coming soon)<\/li>\r\n        <li>Sec. 13 Defect claims (coming soon)<\/li>\r\n        <li>Sec. 14 Billing<\/li>\r\n        <li>Sec. 15 Hourly work<\/li>\r\n        <li>Sec. 16 Payment<\/li>\r\n        <li>Sec. 17 Security<\/li>\r\n        <li>Sec. 18 Disputes<\/li>\r\n      <\/ul>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"hl rv\" style=\"max-width:760px\">\r\n      <span class=\"eyebrow\">Checklist<\/span>\r\n      <h3>A VOB\/B contract on your desk<\/h3>\r\n      <p>Check whether VOB\/B is incorporated as a whole or with modifications \u2014 modifications open the door to clause review. Announce extra-work claims before starting and document them. Raise objections immediately and in writing. Notify every hindrance in writing. Give written notice of completion and watch the fictitious-acceptance clock. Bill verifiably, with measurements and evidence. After a final-payment notification, declare a written reservation immediately if you claim more. Count limitation from acceptance: 4 years, not 5.<\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"prose rv\" style=\"font-size:1.02rem\">\r\n      <h3 style=\"font-size:1.35rem;margin-top:2.2rem\">Frequently asked questions<\/h3>\r\n      <p><strong>Does VOB\/B apply automatically to every German construction contract?<\/strong><br>No. VOB\/B is a set of standard terms and applies only if incorporated into the contract. It is standard in public procurement and widespread in private projects.<\/p>\r\n      <p><strong>How long is the defect liability period under VOB\/B?<\/strong><br>For buildings generally 4 years from acceptance (sec. 13(4) VOB\/B), unless agreed otherwise. Under the BGB it would be 5 years.<\/p>\r\n      <p><strong>What is fictitious acceptance?<\/strong><br>Under VOB\/B: if neither party demands acceptance, the works are deemed accepted 12 working days after written notice of completion, or 6 working days after the client takes them into use (sec. 12(5) VOB\/B). Since 1 January 2018 the BGB also knows a fiction of acceptance (sec. 640(2)) \u2014 there the contractor sets a deadline, and a refusal citing at least one defect defeats the fiction.<\/p>\r\n      <p><strong>Will I be paid for extra work without a written order?<\/strong><br>The claim under sec. 2(6) VOB\/B generally requires an announcement before the work begins. Without announcement and documentation the position is weak \u2014 see our Nachtrag article.<\/p>\r\n      <p><strong>What happens without a reservation after the final payment?<\/strong><br>Accepting the final payment without a written reservation generally excludes further claims (sec. 16(3) VOB\/B). React immediately after a final-payment notification.<\/p>\r\n\r\n      <p style=\"font-size:.85rem;color:var(--ink-soft)\">Source: VOB\/B, 2016 edition (including secs. 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17), verified against the official text, and the construction contract law of the German Civil Code (including secs. 640(2), 650b, 650g(4) BGB). Legal status: July 2026. This guide is for general information and does not replace legal advice in an individual case.<\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"mini-cta rv\"><b>A VOB\/B contract on the table or a dispute under one?<\/b><span style=\"color:var(--ink-soft);font-size:.92rem\">Send us the contract and the correspondence \u2014 we will flag the risks, the deadlines and the best route. In English, German and Polish.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/practice-areas\/construction-law\/#kontakt\" class=\"btn\">Describe your case <span class=\"arr\">\u2192<\/span><\/a><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"prose rv\" style=\"margin-top:1.5rem\">\r\n      <h3 style=\"font-size:1.1rem\">Cluster map: our articles for construction companies<\/h3>\r\n      <div class=\"chips\" style=\"margin-top:.8rem\">\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/extra-work-nachtrag-german-construction\/\">Extra work (Nachtrag) \u2192<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/interim-payment-injunction-german-construction\/\">Interim payment injunction \u2192<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/construction-timesheets-germany\/\">Construction timesheets \u2192<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/acceptance-construction-works-germany\/\">Acceptance (Abnahme) \u2192<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/construction-defects-burden-of-proof-germany\/\">Construction defects \u2014 burden of proof \u2192<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/construction-delay-claims-germany\/\">Construction delay claims \u2192<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/compensation-terminated-construction-contract-germany\/\">Compensation after termination \u2192<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/termination-construction-contract-germany\/\">Termination (sec. 648a BGB) \u2192<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/contractor-termination-643-bgb\/\">Contractor\u2019s termination (sec. 643 BGB) \u2192<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/arbitration-clause-german-contract\/\">Arbitration clauses \u2192<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/soka-bau-posting-workers\/\">SOKA-BAU and posted workers \u2192<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/false-self-employment-germany\/\">False self-employment \u2192<\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/article>\r\n\r\n<section class=\"sec alt\">\r\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\r\n    <div class=\"lawyer rv\">\r\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/bwlaw-child-1\/assets\/img\/dr-artur-barczewski.webp\" alt=\"Dr. Artur Barczewski \u2013 author\" loading=\"lazy\">\r\n      <div>\r\n        <b>Dr. Artur Barczewski<\/b>\r\n        <div class=\"role\">niedergelassener europ\u00e4ischer Rechtsanwalt \/ Radca prawny<\/div>\r\n        <p>Author of this guide. Handles construction disputes for foreign companies across Germany. <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/team\/artur-barczewski\/\">View profile \u2192<\/a><\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<section class=\"cta-end\">\r\n  <div class=\"glow\"><\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\r\n    <span class=\"eyebrow rv\">Contact<\/span>\r\n    <h2 class=\"rv d1\">Does your situation look similar?<\/h2>\r\n    <p class=\"rv d2\">Every case has details that change the outcome. Describe yours \u2014 you will receive a concrete answer and a fee estimate.<\/p>\r\n    <div class=\"row rv d3\">\r\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/practice-areas\/construction-law\/#kontakt\" class=\"btn\">Describe your case <span class=\"arr\">\u2192<\/span><\/a>\r\n      <a href=\"tel:+4933555310969\" class=\"phone\">\u260e +49 335 553 10969<\/a>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<footer>\r\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\r\n    <div class=\"foot-grid\">\r\n      <div>\r\n        <div class=\"foot-brand\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/bwlaw-child-1\/assets\/img\/logo-bw.png\" alt=\"Logo BWLAW\" width=\"38\" height=\"26\"><\/div>\r\n        <p>Kanzlei Dr. Barczewski &amp; Dr. Wr\u00f3blewska GbR<br>Rudolf-Breitscheid-Stra\u00dfe 10<br>15230 Frankfurt (Oder), Germany<br><a href=\"tel:+4933555310969\">+49 335 553 10969<\/a> \u00b7 <a href=\"mailto:info@bwlaw.de\">info@bwlaw.de<\/a><\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div>\r\n        <div class=\"foot-h\">Practice areas<\/div>\r\n        <ul>\r\n          <li><a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/practice-areas\/construction-law\/\">Construction law and VOB\/B<\/a><\/li>\r\n          <li><a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/practice-areas\/employment-law\/\">Employment law<\/a><\/li>\r\n          <li><a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/practice-areas\/debt-collection\/\">Debt collection in Germany<\/a><\/li>\r\n          <li><a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/practice-areas\/company-formation\/\">Corporate law and company formation<\/a><\/li>\r\n        <\/ul>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div>\r\n        <div class=\"foot-h\">Information<\/div>\r\n        <ul>\r\n          <li><a href=\"\/en\/\">Home<\/a><\/li>\r\n          <li><a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/\">Knowledge base<\/a><\/li>\r\n          <li><a href=\"\/en\/contact\/\">Contact &amp; directions<\/a><\/li>\r\n          <li><a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/impressum\/\">Imprint<\/a><\/li>\r\n          <li><a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/privacy-policy\/\">Privacy policy<\/a><\/li>\r\n          <li><a href=\"#\" class=\"borlabs-cookie-preference\">Cookie settings<\/a><\/li>\r\n        <\/ul>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"foot-bottom\">\r\n      <span>\u00a9 2026 BWLAW \u00b7 Kanzlei Dr. Barczewski &amp; Dr. Wr\u00f3blewska GbR<\/span>\r\n      <span>niedergelassene europ\u00e4ische Rechtsanw\u00e4lte \/ Radcowie prawni \u00b7 Frankfurt (Oder)<\/span>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/footer>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"sticky-cta\">\r\n  <a href=\"tel:+4933555310969\" class=\"call\">\u260e Call us<\/a>\r\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/practice-areas\/construction-law\/#kontakt\" class=\"book\">Describe your case<\/a>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\r\n{\r\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\r\n  \"@graph\": [\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Article\",\r\n      \"headline\": \"VOB\/B in English: the German construction contract terms explained\",\r\n      \"description\": \"What VOB\/B changes in a German construction contract: acceptance, defect liability, extra work, delays, payment, securities. A guide with further reading.\",\r\n      \"inLanguage\": \"en\",\r\n      \"author\": { \"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Dr. Artur Barczewski\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/team\/artur-barczewski\/\" },\r\n      \"publisher\": { \"@type\": \"LegalService\", \"address\": { \"@type\": \"PostalAddress\", \"streetAddress\": \"Rudolf-Breitscheid-Stra\u00dfe 10\", \"postalCode\": \"15230\", \"addressLocality\": \"Frankfurt (Oder)\", \"addressRegion\": \"Brandenburg\", \"addressCountry\": \"DE\" }, \"name\": \"BWLAW \u2013 Kanzlei Dr. Barczewski & Dr. Wr\u00f3blewska GbR\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/\" },\r\n      \"datePublished\": \"2026-07-24\",\r\n      \"dateModified\": \"2026-07-24\",\r\n      \"mainEntityOfPage\": \"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/vob-b-german-construction-contract\/\"\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\r\n      \"mainEntity\": [\r\n        {\r\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n          \"name\": \"Does VOB\/B apply automatically to every German construction contract?\",\r\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No. VOB\/B is a set of standard terms and applies only if incorporated into the contract. It is standard in public procurement and widespread in private projects.\" }\r\n        },\r\n        {\r\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n          \"name\": \"How long is the defect liability period under VOB\/B?\",\r\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"For buildings generally 4 years from acceptance (sec. 13(4) VOB\/B), unless agreed otherwise. Under the BGB it would be 5 years.\" }\r\n        },\r\n        {\r\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n          \"name\": \"What is fictitious acceptance?\",\r\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Under VOB\/B the works are deemed accepted 12 working days after written notice of completion, or 6 working days after the client takes them into use (sec. 12(5) VOB\/B). Since 1 January 2018 the BGB also knows a fiction of acceptance (sec. 640(2)) \u2014 there the contractor sets a deadline, and a refusal citing at least one defect defeats the fiction.\" }\r\n        },\r\n        {\r\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n          \"name\": \"Will I be paid for extra work without a written order?\",\r\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The claim under sec. 2(6) VOB\/B generally requires an announcement before the work begins. Without announcement and documentation the position is weak.\" }\r\n        },\r\n        {\r\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n          \"name\": \"What happens without a reservation after the final payment?\",\r\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Accepting the final payment without a written reservation generally excludes further claims (sec. 16(3) VOB\/B). React immediately after a final-payment notification.\" }\r\n        }\r\n      ]\r\n    }\r\n  ]\r\n}\r\n<\/script>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Construction law Debt collection Corporate law Employment law Knowledge base Team Contact us \u2192 \u2630 Home\/Knowledge base\/Construction Construction \u00b7 pillar guide VOB\/B in English: the German construction contract terms explained Hardly any larger construction contract in Germany comes without a reference to VOB\/B. Whoever signs with this clause plays by different rules than the Civil [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":4417,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-bwlaw-page.php","meta":{"footnotes":"","rank_math_title":"VOB\/B in English: German construction terms | BWLAW","rank_math_description":"What VOB\/B changes in a German construction contract: acceptance, defect liability, extra work, delays, payment, securities. 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