Everyday money · Jurisdiction DE

Ending a contract

Continuing consumer contracts can be ended. That is not the same as a withdrawal right just after the contract was concluded.

In more detail

Civil Code section 309 number 9 limits, in standard terms, how long certain continuing contracts for regular deliveries or services may bind the other party. Initial terms that run too long, tacit renewals that run too long and notice periods that are too long before the end are ineffective in that frame. Section 312k requires a cancellation button when consumers can conclude paid continuing contracts on a website; financial services are excluded. Finmon presses no button.

Background

As of the text of the statute: the detail of the periods is in section 309 number 9 and applies to standard terms of the contracts described there, not to every contract in the world. A withdrawal right is a different right with a short period after conclusion. Someone who cannot place a specific contract finds a place for that at a consumer advice centre. Finmon sends no cancellation.

An example

A streaming contract renews itself in the small print. Whether that clause fails under section 309 number 9 depends on the term and the notice period. The cancellation button under section 312k is another path when the contract can be concluded on the provider's website. Finmon does not click it.

A common misconception

A contract on the internet always continues, because ending it is impossible.

Period and form follow the contract and the statute. For contracts that can be concluded on a website there is a cancellation button. It is not impossible.

Source: BGB § 309 Nr. 9 und § 312k. Last reviewed: 2026-10-29. Editorially reviewed on 2026-10-29. Next review 2027-10-29. Version 0.2.0. Finmon explains. It does not advise. Not investment, tax or legal advice.