die  Gewährleistung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈvɛːɐ̯ˌleːtʊŋ/

🛡️ What Exactly Does Gewährleistung Mean?

Die Gewährleistung (also known as Sachmängelhaftung) is a core concept in German sales and contract law. It describes the statutory obligation of the seller or manufacturer to ensure that a sold item or a completed work is free from material defects and defects of title at the time of handover.

Essentially, the buyer or client is entitled to receive a defect-free product or service. If a defect exists that was already present at the time of handover, the buyer has various rights, such as Nacherfüllung (subsequent performance, i.e., repair or replacement), reduction of the purchase price (Minderung), or, under certain conditions, withdrawal from the contract (Rücktritt).

⚠️ Important: Gewährleistung is legally mandated and cannot be excluded in consumer goods purchases. It must be clearly distinguished from a Garantie, which is a voluntary, additional promise made by the manufacturer or seller.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar & Declension of Gewährleistung

Die Gewährleistung is a feminine noun. The plural form (die Gewährleistungen) is rarely used; usually, people refer to the singular warranty obligation or warranty rights.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

The plural is uncommon but grammatically possible:

Example Sentences

1. Die gesetzliche Gewährleistung beträgt bei Neuwaren zwei Jahre.
   The statutory warranty for new goods is two years.
2. Der Verkäufer haftet im Rahmen der Gewährleistung für Mängel, die bei Übergabe vorhanden waren.
   The seller is liable under the warranty for defects present at the time of handover.
3. Sie machte von ihrem Recht auf Gewährleistung Gebrauch und forderte eine Reparatur.
   She exercised her right to warranty and requested a repair.

💡 Everyday Use: When Do We Talk About Gewährleistung?

The term die Gewährleistung primarily appears in legal and commercial contexts, especially when purchasing goods (e.g., electronics, cars, furniture) or commissioning services (e.g., craftspeople's work).

• Purchase Contracts (Kaufverträge): If you buy something and it turns out to be defective (and the defect likely existed at the time of purchase), the Gewährleistung applies.
• Contracts for Work (Werkverträge): If a craftsperson performs work (e.g., a repair, an installation) and it is faulty, they are liable under the Gewährleistung.

Distinction from Garantie: It is crucial not to confuse Gewährleistung with Garantie.

🧠 Mnemonics for Gewährleistung

Mnemonic for the Article 'die':

Think of the ending "-ung". Many German nouns ending in "-ung" are feminine (die). Imagine "the" ensuring (die Sicherung) is feminine, just like die Gewährleistung. The word sounds quite long and formal, associate it with a formal lady - die Lady.

Mnemonic for the Meaning:

Break it down: "Gewähr" sounds like 'guarantee' or 'ensure', and "Leistung" means 'performance' or 'service'. So, Gewährleistung is the 'ensured performance' or the 'guaranteed service' mandated by law. Think: The seller must give wear (Gewähr) and tear protection for their listing (Leistung) – that's die Gewährleistung.

↔️ Synonyms, Antonyms & Similar Terms

Similar but Different Terms:

• Widerrufsrecht: Statutory right for consumers to revoke certain contracts (esp. distance selling) within a specific period without giving reasons. Not related to defects.

😂 A Little Joke

Kunde: "Ich möchte diese Hose zurückgeben, sie hat ein Loch!"
Verkäufer: "Tut mir leid, aber Mottenlöcher fallen nicht unter die Gewährleistung."
Kunde: "Aber die Motte war doch sicher schon beim Kauf in der Hose!"

Translation:
Customer: "I want to return these trousers, they have a hole!"
Salesperson: "I'm sorry, but moth holes are not covered by the warranty (Gewährleistung)."
Customer: "But surely the moth was already in the trousers at the time of purchase!"

📜 A Poem About Gewährleistung

Ein Mixer neu, welch große Freud',
doch mixt er nicht, was sehr betrübt.
Der Käufer denkt: "Das ist nicht heut'
der Tag, an dem man mich betrügt!"

Er geht zurück, zum Händler schnell,
pocht auf sein Recht, ganz unumwunden.
"Die Gewährleistung, aktuell,
greift hier bei diesem schlechten Funden!"

Der Händler muss nun Sorge tragen,
dass alles wieder richtig sei.
Reparatur, Tausch – keine Fragen,
dank Mängelhaftung, eins, zwei, drei!

Translation:
A blender new, what great delight,
But doesn't mix, a sorry plight.
The buyer thinks: "This isn't right,
I won't be cheated day or night!"

He goes back quickly to the store,
Insists upon his right, so sound.
"The warranty (Gewährleistung), by law,
Applies to this bad item found!"

The seller now must take good care,
To make it function properly.
Repair, replace - beyond compare,
Thanks to defect liability!

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin dein Recht, wenn etwas fehlt,
an dem Produkt, das du gewählt.
Zwei Jahre lang steh' ich dir bei,
doch nur, wenn's schon beim Kauf nicht frei
von Fehlern war, das ist der Clou.
Der Verkäufer haftet – wer bin ich, du?

Translation:
I am your right when something's wrong,
With the product you've had along.
For two years' time, I stand by you,
But only if, when it was new,
It had the flaw, that is the key.
The seller's liable - who am I, tell me?

Solution: die Gewährleistung

🌐 Other Interesting Aspects

Word Composition

The word Gewährleistung is composed of:

• Gewähr: Means security, guarantee, warranty (in an older sense). Derived from 'wahren'/'bewahren' (to keep safe, preserve).
• Leistung: Means performance, service, fulfillment of an obligation.
• -ung: Suffix used to nominalize verbs (here from 'gewährleisten' - to guarantee, to ensure).

So it literally means the "performing of assurance" or the "provision of security".

Legal Nuances

An important point regarding Gewährleistung is the Beweislastumkehr (reversal of the burden of proof) during the first 12 months (since 2022; previously 6 months) for consumer goods purchases. If a defect appears within this period, it is legally presumed that it already existed at the time of handover. The seller must then prove otherwise if they disagree.