der  Widerruf

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈviːdɐʁʊf/

📜 What does "der Widerruf" mean?

Der Widerruf refers to the act of retracting or cancelling a previously made statement, declaration, order, or contract. It's often a formal act, especially in a legal context.

• Legally: The withdrawal of a declaration of intent (Willenserklärung), often within a statutory period (e.g., for online purchases, distance contracts - Fernabsatzverträge). One makes use of their Widerrufsrecht (right of revocation/cancellation).
• Generally: The retraction of a statement, order, or claim (e.g., the Widerruf of a false accusation).

It is a masculine noun, so it's always der Widerruf.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Widerruf

The noun "Widerruf" is masculine.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Kunde machte von seinem Widerruf Gebrauch und schickte die Ware zurück.
   (The customer made use of his right of revocation and sent the goods back.)
2. Der Widerruf seiner Aussage erfolgte erst nach langem Zögern.
   (The retraction of his statement only occurred after long hesitation.)
3. Die Frist für den Widerruf des Vertrags beträgt 14 Tage.
   (The deadline for the cancellation of the contract is 14 days.)
4. Ein formloser Widerruf per E-Mail ist oft ausreichend.
   (An informal revocation via email is often sufficient.)
5. Die Firma akzeptierte den Widerruf der Bestellung ohne Probleme.
   (The company accepted the cancellation of the order without any problems.)

💡 How to use "Widerruf"?

The term "Widerruf" is primarily used in formal or legal contexts. Here are typical situations:

• Contract Law: The best-known example is the Widerrufsrecht (right of withdrawal/cancellation) for distance contracts (Fernabsatzverträge - online shopping, phone orders) or doorstep selling (Haustürgeschäfte). Consumers often have a legal right to cancel a contract within a specific period without giving reasons.
• Declarations & Statements: One can retract (widerrufen) a previous statement, confession, or claim if one considers it incorrect or wishes to take it back.
• Administrative Acts: Authorities can also revoke administrative acts (Verwaltungsakte) under certain circumstances.

Important Distinction:

• Widerruf vs. Kündigung (Termination): A Kündigung ends a contract for the future (often after a notice period), while a Widerruf cancels the contract from the beginning (or retracts a specific declaration), usually shortly after conclusion.
• Widerruf vs. Rücktritt (Withdrawal/Rescission): A Rücktritt is also a way to dissolve a contract, but often linked to specific conditions (e.g., defects in goods - Mängel), whereas the Widerruf (in consumer law) is often possible without reason.

⚠️ Pay attention to deadlines (Fristen) and formal requirements (Formvorschriften) when issuing a Widerruf!

🧠 Mnemonics

1. For the article 'der': Imagine a wiDER man calling back an order. He's a 'he', so it's der Widerruf.
2. For the meaning 'Revocation/Retraction': Break it down: "wider" means 'against' or 're-' (as in returning), and "Ruf" means 'call'. So, you are 'calling' something back or 'calling against' it. You're revoking it. 📢🔙

"I call it back, it wasn't true – that's der Widerruf for me and you!"

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but distinct words:

• Kündigung: (Termination) Ends an ongoing contract (e.g., rent, subscription) for the future.
• Rücktritt: (Withdrawal, rescission) Dissolves a contract, often due to breach of contract or defects.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, was ist ein Widerruf?"
Fritzchen: "Das ist, wenn Mama erst 'Ja' zum Eis sagt und Papa dann 'Nein'!"

(Teacher asks: "Fritzchen, what is a Widerruf?"
Fritzchen: "That's when Mom first says 'Yes' to ice cream, and then Dad says 'No'!")

✍️ Poem about Widerruf

Ein Klick zu schnell, ein Kauf getätigt,
doch kurz darauf schon übersättigt.
Die Ware kommt, gefällt sie nicht?
Kein Problem, das ist dein Licht!
Der Widerruf, dein gutes Recht,
schick's zurück, das ist nicht schlecht.
Ein Brief, 'ne Mail, ganz ohne Qual,
so löst du dich von dieser Wahl.

(A click too fast, a purchase made,
But soon enough, you're oversated.
The goods arrive, you don't like the sight?
No problem, that's your guiding light!
The revocation, your valid right,
Send it back, it isn't slight.
A letter, an email, without pain,
Thus you break free from this chain.)

❓ Riddle

Ich mache rückgängig, was du gesagt,
was du bestellt, was du gewagt.
Im Netz oft nützlich, Tag für Tag,
wenn Reue plagt nach einem Schlag.
Ich hab' 'ne Frist, halt sie gut ein,
sonst bleibt der Kauf für immer dein.

Wer bin ich?
(I undo what you have said,
What you ordered, what you dared.
Online often useful, day by day,
When regret plagues after the play.
I have a deadline, keep it well in mind,
Or the purchase forever stays assigned.)

What am I?
... Der Widerruf (The revocation / cancellation)

🧩 Additional Information

Word Composition:

The word "Widerruf" is composed of:

• wider: A preposition/adverb meaning 'against', 'contrary to'.
• Ruf: The noun form of the verb "rufen" (to call).

Literally, it translates to something like "counter-call" or "back-call", which aptly reflects the meaning of taking something back or revoking it.

Legal Significance:

The Widerrufsrecht (right of revocation/cancellation) is a key element of German consumer protection law (Verbraucherschutzrecht), particularly anchored in the German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch - BGB, §§ 312g, 355 ff.). It aims to protect consumers from hasty decisions, especially in situations where they cannot examine the goods or services before concluding the contract (distance selling - Fernabsatz) or could be pressured (doorstep selling - Haustürgeschäfte).