
As an online shop owner, you're likely aware of the importance of having a well-written AGB (Allgemeine Geschäftsbedingungen, or General Terms and Conditions) in place. This sets the foundation for your business's rules and regulations, and is a requirement for any online shop operating in Germany.
In Germany, it's mandatory to have a valid AGB for your online shop, as stated in the BGB (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch, or Civil Code) and the EU's Distance Selling Directive. This ensures that you're complying with the law and protecting both yourself and your customers.
A well-written AGB should be concise, clear, and easy to understand, making it a crucial aspect of your online shop's operations.
A different take: Warenwirtschaftssystem Für Online Shops
General Information
AGB for Online Shops are a set of rules that outline the terms and conditions of a business's operations. They are a crucial part of a company's online presence, as they provide a clear understanding of the business's policies and procedures.
AGB are not mandatory, but they are highly recommended, especially for businesses that operate in the B2C sector. In fact, AGB can be used to fulfill the legal requirements of informing customers about certain aspects of the business, such as the terms of sale.
The language of AGB is also an important consideration. According to the law, AGB must be written in a language that is understandable to the target audience. For example, if a business operates exclusively in Germany, the AGB must be written in German.
Here are the languages in which AGB must be written, depending on the target audience:
- If the business operates exclusively in Germany, the AGB must be written in German.
- If the business operates in multiple languages, the AGB must be written in all the languages offered.
- If the business operates internationally, it's recommended to have the AGB translated into the languages of the countries where the business operates.
It's worth noting that AGB can be used to provide flexibility to businesses, allowing them to include specific rules and regulations that are tailored to their needs. However, AGB must also be transparent and clear, providing customers with a clear understanding of the business's policies and procedures.
In order to make AGB effective, businesses must also ensure that they are easily accessible to customers. This can be done by linking to the AGB from the website's footer, and by making it clear to customers that they must agree to the AGB before making a purchase.
Erstellen Sie Jetzt Ihre
Um rechtssichere AGB für Ihren Onlineshop zu erstellen, sollten Sie die gesetzlichen Vorgaben beachten. Die AGB müssen den §§ 305 bis 310 BGB sowie den Regelungen des Fernabsatzrechts (§§ 312b bis 312d BGB) entsprechen.
Für den Online-Shop ist es ratsam, die AGB nicht einfach zu kopieren, sondern sie an die spezifischen Bedürfnisse des eigenen Geschäftsmodells anzupassen. Die AGB sollten klare Informationen über Rechte und Pflichten der Kunden enthalten, wie z.B. Vertragsabschluss, Zahlungsmodalitäten und ggf. Widerrufsrecht.
Die AGB sollten neben der Checkbox als PDF-Datei verlinkt sein - dabei ist keine Scrollbox zu verwenden - und vom Kunden abgespeichert und ausgedruckt werden können.
Um rechtssichere AGB zu erstellen, sollten Sie folgende Schritte beachten:
- Rechtliche Grundlagen: Die AGB müssen den gesetzlichen Vorgaben entsprechen.
- Individuelle Anpassung: Die AGB sollten an die spezifischen Bedürfnisse des eigenen Geschäftsmodells angepasst werden.
- Transparente Informationen: Die AGB sollten klare Informationen über Rechte und Pflichten der Kunden enthalten.
- Regelmäßige Aktualisierung: Die AGB sollten regelmäßig überprüft und aktualisiert werden.
Types of AGB
You'll need to consider the type of AGB that suits your online shop. There are three main types: AGB for the sale of goods, AGB for the sale of digital content, and AGB for services.
The type of AGB you choose will depend on your business model. For example, if you're selling physical products, you'll need AGB that cover the sale of goods. If you're selling digital products, such as e-books or software, you'll need AGB that cover the sale of digital content.
Here are the three main types of AGB:
- AGB für den Vertrieb von Waren
- AGB für den Vertrieb digitaler Inhalte
- AGB für Dienstleistungen
It's essential to choose the right type of AGB to ensure you're covered legally.
B2B/B2C: Gewerbliche Kunden/Endverbraucher
When creating online shop terms and conditions, it's essential to consider whether you're selling to businesses (B2B) or end-consumers (B2C). If you're selling to both, be aware that your entire online shop will be subject to strict consumer protection laws in the EU, including rules on withdrawal, button solutions, and price transparency.
You can't simply write "we only sell to businesses" on your website and expect that to be enough. In B2B shops, additional distinctions from consumer contracts are necessary.
To avoid being fined by consumer associations, it's crucial to understand the differences between B2B and B2C sales and ensure your terms and conditions comply with the relevant laws.
If you're unsure about what terms and conditions to use, don't try to create your own by modifying a generic template. This can lead to mistakes and potential legal issues.
Here are some key differences between B2B and B2C sales:
By understanding these differences and creating terms and conditions that are tailored to your business model, you can avoid potential pitfalls and ensure a smooth online shopping experience for your customers.
Unpassende Muster

Using unpassende Muster for your AGB can be a recipe for disaster. Free templates and Muster-AGB may seem like an easy solution, but they're often too broad and not tailored to your specific business model.
You can't just pick a template and expect it to work for your Onlineshop. AGB must be adapted to your Geschäftsmodell, and using a one-size-fits-all approach can lead to problems.
Free templates may be outdated or contain veraltete Klauseln that don't comply with current laws. This can put you at risk of legal issues and damage to your reputation.
Even if a template seems perfect at first, it may not cover all the necessary aspects of your business. You need to carefully review and customize the AGB to ensure they're a good fit for your Onlineshop.
Kaufvertrag vs. Werkvertrag
Online shops typically enter into Kaufverträge, which are contracts for the sale of goods. However, agencies and design services are not Kaufverträge, but rather Werk- oder Dienstverträge.
A key distinction lies in the nature of the services offered: if you're selling physical products, it's a Kaufvertrag, but if you're offering services like web design or consulting, it's a Werk- oder Dienstvertrag.
Kaufverträge and Werk- oder Dienstverträge require different AGB (Allgemeine Geschäftsbedingungen) regulations, which is why online shops and agencies need distinct AGB.
For example, AGB for online shops (B2C) differ significantly from those for agencies (B2B).
Erecht24 Premium Websites
eRecht24 Premium Websites offer a range of tools and services to help you create effective AGB for your online presence.
Their AGB-Generator for Onlineshops is a popular choice, allowing you to create custom AGB that are both affordable and legally sound.
You can also access a Cookie Consent Tool, Muster, and Verträge, as well as Live-Webinare and Know-How to help you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in online law.
The German courts have established clear guidelines for AGB, requiring them to be easily readable on the screen, clear in language and content, and not too long.
A study by LG Ravensburg CR 1992, 1473; LG Aachen NJW 1991, 2160 found that AGB can be as long as 80 minutes to read without being considered unwirksam.
You can use eRecht24 Premium's AGB-Generator to create AGB for specific purposes, such as:
- AGB for the Vertrieb von Waren und/oder
- AGB for the Vertrieb digitaler Inhalte und/oder
- AGB for Dienstleistungen
This will help you comply with the relevant laws and regulations, and ensure that your AGB are effective and enforceable.
Integration and Implementation
To ensure your AGB are effectively integrated into your online shop, it's essential to understand the requirements for their inclusion. According to the law, simply posting AGB online is not enough.
You must explicitly draw the customer's attention to the AGB at the time of contract conclusion, and the customer must have a reasonable opportunity to familiarize themselves with the terms.
Here are the key steps to ensure your AGB are effectively integrated:
- Notify the customer of the AGB at the time of contract conclusion
- Provide the customer with a reasonable opportunity to review the AGB
In B2C shops, you must also provide the customer with the AGB in the confirmation email or with the delivery of the goods at the latest.
Einbinden
To effectively integrate your online shop's terms and conditions, it's crucial to understand how to properly include them in your contracts.
The AGB, or allgemeine Geschäftsbedingungen, must be explicitly mentioned at the time of contract signing. This can be achieved by providing a clear link to the AGB or by requiring the customer to acknowledge that they have read and understood the terms.
In order to be considered part of the contract, the AGB must be made accessible to the customer in a way that is reasonable for them. This means that the customer should be able to easily find and understand the terms and conditions.
According to the German Civil Code (BGB), the AGB are only considered part of the contract if the customer is explicitly informed about them and has the opportunity to review them.
To ensure compliance with these regulations, it's essential to make the AGB easily accessible to the customer. This can be achieved by providing a clear and concise link to the AGB or by requiring the customer to acknowledge that they have read and understood the terms.
In B2C shops, the AGB must be provided to the customer in the confirmation email or with the delivery of the goods. This ensures that the customer is aware of the terms and conditions from the outset.
Here are the key takeaways for integrating your AGB:
- Explicitly mention the AGB at the time of contract signing.
- Make the AGB easily accessible to the customer.
- Provide the AGB in the confirmation email or with the delivery of the goods (in B2C shops).
Automatisierte Lösungen
Automatisierte Lösungen can be a game-changer for businesses, especially during the gründungsphase when costs can be high.
Automatisierte Lösungen for Rechtstexte are available, offering a quicker and more affordable alternative to individual legal consultations.
These solutions are often equipped with Schnittstellen and automatische Aktualisierung, making them efficient and easy to use.
You can create your AGB with a Generator, making the process even more streamlined.
Here are the benefits of Automatisierte Lösungen:
- schnell
- preiswert
- oft mit Schnittstellen und automatischer Aktualisierung
Was Kosten?
The cost of AGB for an online shop can vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances.
The cost of creating AGB for an online shop depends on several factors.
For example, the business model of the online shop can affect the cost.
The cost also depends on whether the AGB is for B2C or B2B.
The location of the business can also impact the cost.
The scope of the lawyer's work is another factor that can influence the cost.
You can get AGB for an online shop for a fixed price of 300 € netto (plus VAT) from advocado Partner-Anwalt Martin Jedwillat.
Legal Aspects
You need to have clear and transparent AGB for your online shop to avoid any potential issues. The BGB (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch) doesn't specify how to create AGB for online shops, so you can write them yourself, use a template, or hire a lawyer to ensure they are legally sound.
To create AGB for your online shop, you need to consider the new regulations introduced in 2022. These include: Erweiterte Informationspflichten: You must inform customers about the weighting of rankings or evaluations, as well as the provisions for verifying the authenticity of reviews.Beweislastumkehr: If a product is defective within a year, it is assumed that it was already defective when delivered.Garantie: You must provide customers with a guarantee on a durable data carrier, and it must be easy to understand and include the name and address of the guarantor.Kündigungsbutton: You must make it possible for customers to cancel a contract with a simple click on your homepage.Nacherfüllung: If you fail to deliver or repair a product, customers can withdraw from the contract and claim damages without a deadline.Sachmangelbegriff: The objective expectation of the customer and the type of installation are also important factors in determining whether a product has a defect.Updates for digital content: Customers are entitled to updates for digital content that are necessary for use, including security updates.Verjährung: The deadline for claims related to defects is two years, but this can be shortened by a prior contractual agreement.
It's also essential to note that the BGB requires you to provide certain information to customers, even if you don't have AGB. This includes information about contract conclusion, contract language, and warranty for defects.
In welcher Sprache müssen Sie verfasst sein?

In the German-speaking world, it's a common question: in which language should you write your General Terms and Conditions (AGB)? The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. The German courts have been increasingly holding that AGB, including the cancellation policy, imprint, and data protection information, must be provided in German if you're selling to German customers.
If you're operating an online shop, you'll need to consider the language of your target audience. If you're selling exclusively to German customers, your AGB should be in German.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Deutsch als Hauptsprache: If you're targeting German customers, your AGB should be in German.
- Mehrsprachige Angebote: If you offer your services or products in multiple languages, your AGB should be available in all languages offered.
- Internationale Verkäufe: If you're selling internationally, it's a good idea to provide your AGB in the languages of the countries you're selling to.
For example, if you're selling on Amazon UK, you should provide your AGB in English. But if you're selling to customers in other countries, such as Italy or Spain, you should provide your AGB in the respective language.
In general, it's a good idea to provide your AGB in the language of your target audience, as this will help ensure that they understand the terms and conditions of your online shop.
Gesetzliche Regelungen
If you're selling online, you're required to have some form of General Terms and Conditions (AGB) in place. Without AGB, your contracts would technically be governed by the laws of the land, but in reality, you'd still need to provide certain information to customers.
As a business, you're obligated to provide consumers with specific information, and AGB can help you fulfill this requirement. You can include details such as contract terms, language, and warranty for defects.
In Germany, the Civil Code (BGB) doesn't specify how to create AGB for online shops, so you can write them yourself, use a template or generator, or even hire a lawyer to draft them for you.
However, there are some specific laws that affect online shops, such as the requirement to provide customers with information about the weighting of rankings or reviews, as well as the provisions your business has in place to verify the authenticity of reviews.
Here are some key laws and regulations that online shops need to be aware of:
- Erweiterte Informationspflichten: Online-Marktplätze müssen Kunden über die Gewichtung von Rankings oder Bewertungen, Provisionen und Entgelte sowie die Vorkehrungen des Unternehmens zur Überprüfung der Echtheit von Bewertungen informieren.
- Beweislastumkehr: Bei einem Mangel der Ware innerhalb von 1 Jahr ist davon auszugehen, dass diese bereits mangelhaft übergeben wurde.
- Garantie: Garantien sind dem Kunden auf einem dauerhaften Datenträger zur Verfügung zu stellen.
- Kündigungsbutton: Laufzeitgebundene Online-Verträge müssen auf der Homepage mit einem Kündigungsbutton durch einen einfachen Klick kündbar sein.
- Nacherfüllung: Bei verweigerter Lieferung oder Reparatur dürfen Kunden ohne Fristsetzung vom Kaufvertrag zurücktreten und Schadensersatz geltend machen.
- Sachmangelbegriff: Neben der konkreten Vereinbarung im Kaufvertrag sind auch die objektive Erwartung des Kunden und die Art der Montierung ausschlaggebend für das Vorliegen eines Sachmangels.
- Updates für digitale Inhalte: Wer Waren mit digitalen Inhalten kauft, hat einen Anspruch auf Aktualisierungen, die für die Nutzung erforderlich sind.
- Verjährung: Die Frist für die Ansprüche bei Sachmängeln verjähren nach 2 Jahren – eine Verkürzung ist nur durch eine vertragliche Vereinbarung vorab möglich.
Make sure to check the specific laws and regulations that apply to your business, as they may vary depending on the country or region you're operating in.
Datensicherheit
When creating AGB for your online shop, you have the freedom to write them yourself, use a template or generator, or even consult a lawyer for a customized version that meets your specific needs.
In Germany, there is no specific law that dictates how to create AGB for online shops.
You can rest assured that your data is secure with Smartlaw, as we prioritize data protection and go beyond the minimum requirements set by law.
Smartlaw has undergone a thorough review and certification by the TÜV Hessen, a renowned testing and certification organization, to ensure our data protection practices meet the highest standards.
The German Data Protection Act (Datenschutzrecht) is the foundation of our data protection efforts, and we're committed to safeguarding your information.
Praxis-Tipp
Rechtsanwalt Sören Siebert, der Gründer von eRecht24, hat über 20 Jahre Erfahrung im Internetrecht und hat mehr als 10.000 Beiträge und Artikel veröffentlicht.
Annika Haucke, eine Rechtsanwältin und Legal Writerin, ist seit 2020 Teil des Redaktionsteams von eRecht24 und hat inhaltliche Schwerpunkte im Internet-, Urheber-, Steuer- und Datenschutzrecht.
Die Abmahnfalle ist ein häufiges Problem für Onlineshops, und Sören Siebert empfiehlt, eine Lösung zu nutzen, mit der bereits mehr als 370.000 Webseiten erfolgreich rechtlich abgesichert wurden.
Die Abmahnfalle kann einfach und ohne teuren Anwalt vermieden werden, indem man sich an die rechtlichen Vorgaben hält, die von Experten wie Sören Siebert und Annika Haucke empfohlen werden.
7 Fehler Bei Online-Shops
As an online shop owner, you want to avoid any mistakes that could harm your business. Here are 7 common errors to watch out for:
Gerichtsstandsvereinbarungen gegenüber Verbrauchern sind ein großer Fehler, da sie den Verbraucher benachteiligen.
Klauseln, die dem Verbraucher die Transportgefahr auferlegen, sind ebenfalls unzulässig.
Unzulässige Einschränkung der Haftung kann zu rechtlichen Problemen führen.
Das Verwenden von Muster-AGB oder das Kopieren von Wettbewerbern führt oft zu ungenauen und rechtlich problematischen Formulierungen.
Kunden müssen deutlich auf die AGB hingewiesen werden, und diese müssen leicht zugänglich sein.
Online-Shops müssen klar angeben, ob und wie der Vertragstext gespeichert wird.
Ein einfacher Hinweis auf das gesetzliche Mängelhaftungsrecht muss in den AGB vorhanden sein.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kann ich AGB selbst schreiben?
Ja, du kannst deine Allgemeinen Geschäftsbedingungen (AGB) selbst schreiben, aber das erfordert Zeit und Fachwissen. Muster und Online-Generatoren können dir helfen, deine AGB schnell und einfach zu erstellen.
Woher bekomme ich AGBs?
Sie können rechtssichere AGBs von einem Anwalt erhalten. Eine gesetzliche Pflicht zur Verwendung von AGBs besteht nicht, aber sie sind für Unternehmer und Onlineshop-Betreiber empfehlenswert.
Kann ich AGBs einfach kopieren?
Kopieren Sie keine AGBs ohne Erlaubnis, da dies das Urheberrecht verletzt. Lesen Sie stattdessen unsere Anleitung, wie Sie AGBs sicher und rechtlich korrekt erstellen können
Featured Images: pexels.com


