General Contractor Agreement for Germany

General Contractor Agreement Template for Germany

A comprehensive legal agreement governed by German law that establishes the relationship between a principal (Auftraggeber) and a general contractor (Generalunternehmer). The document outlines the complete scope of work, responsibilities, payment terms, and project execution requirements in accordance with the German Civil Code (BGB), particularly sections 631-651 regarding work contracts (Werkvertrag). It includes detailed provisions for quality standards, warranty obligations, liability allocation, and subcontractor management, while ensuring compliance with German construction regulations and industry standards.

Your data doesn't train Genie's AI

You keep IP ownership of your information

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Download a Standard Template

4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5
Access for free
OR

Alternatively: Run an advanced review of an existing
General Contractor Agreement

Let Genie AI's market-leading legal AI identify missing terms, unusual language, compliance issues and more - in just seconds.
Upload your Doc

What is a General Contractor Agreement?

The General Contractor Agreement is a crucial document used in construction and development projects under German law when a principal wishes to engage a single contractor responsible for the entire project execution. This agreement type is particularly relevant for complex projects where coordination of multiple subcontractors and trades is required. The document comprehensively addresses all aspects of project execution, from initial planning to final completion and warranty period, incorporating requirements from the German Civil Code (BGB), commercial law (HGB), and construction regulations (VOB/B). It serves as the primary contractual framework defining roles, responsibilities, risk allocation, quality standards, and commercial terms between the principal and the general contractor, while ensuring compliance with German legal requirements and industry standards.

What sections should be included in a General Contractor Agreement?

1. Parties: Identification and details of the Principal (Auftraggeber) and General Contractor (Generalunternehmer)

2. Background: Context of the agreement and brief description of the project

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement, including technical and legal terminology

4. Scope of Work: Detailed description of the works to be performed, including main contractor obligations and deliverables

5. Project Timeline: Project schedule, milestones, completion dates, and any specific time-related obligations

6. Compensation and Payment Terms: Contract price, payment schedule, invoicing requirements, and payment conditions

7. Quality Requirements: Quality standards, applicable technical norms, and acceptance criteria

8. Contractor's Obligations: General and specific obligations of the contractor, including coordination with subcontractors

9. Principal's Obligations: Obligations of the principal, including provision of information and access to site

10. Subcontracting: Rules and conditions for engaging subcontractors, including approval requirements

11. Warranties and Guarantees: Warranty periods, types of guarantees, and remedy procedures as per German law

12. Liability and Insurance: Liability provisions, required insurance coverage, and indemnification obligations

13. Changes and Variations: Procedures for handling changes to scope, price, or timeline

14. Force Majeure: Definition of force majeure events and their consequences

15. Termination: Grounds for termination, procedures, and consequences

16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: Confirmation of German law application and jurisdiction for disputes

17. Notices: Communication procedures and contact details for official notices

18. Confidentiality: Obligations regarding confidential information and trade secrets

What sections are optional to include in a General Contractor Agreement?

1. Performance Bond: Required when specific performance guarantees are needed, detailing bond requirements and conditions

2. Intellectual Property Rights: Needed when the work involves creation or use of intellectual property

3. Environmental Compliance: Required for projects with significant environmental impact or specific environmental requirements

4. Site Safety Requirements: Detailed safety provisions for high-risk or complex construction projects

5. Liquidated Damages: Specific penalties for delay or non-performance, when agreed between parties

6. Dispute Resolution: Alternative dispute resolution procedures, if parties prefer specific mechanisms before court litigation

7. Language: Required for international projects where multiple languages may be used

8. Building Information Modeling (BIM): Needed for projects utilizing BIM technology and requiring specific protocols

What schedules should be included in a General Contractor Agreement?

1. Schedule 1 - Detailed Scope of Work: Technical specifications, drawings, and detailed work descriptions

2. Schedule 2 - Project Schedule: Detailed timeline, Gantt charts, and milestone dates

3. Schedule 3 - Price Schedule: Detailed breakdown of prices, rates, and payment milestones

4. Schedule 4 - Key Personnel: List of key personnel from both parties with roles and responsibilities

5. Schedule 5 - Technical Standards: Applicable technical norms, standards, and quality requirements

6. Schedule 6 - Form of Warranties: Template warranty certificates and guarantee forms

7. Schedule 7 - Insurance Requirements: Detailed insurance requirements and minimum coverage amounts

8. Schedule 8 - Subcontractors: List of approved subcontractors and their scope of work

9. Appendix A - Site Information: Site details, access requirements, and existing conditions

10. Appendix B - Forms and Templates: Standard forms for change orders, progress reports, and other project documents

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

Germany

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Agreement Contract

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions
Clauses
Relevant Industries

Construction

Real Estate Development

Infrastructure

Industrial Manufacturing

Energy

Telecommunications

Commercial Property

Residential Development

Healthcare Facilities

Education Facilities

Retail Development

Hospitality

Data Centers

Transportation

Relevant Teams

Legal

Commercial

Procurement

Operations

Project Management

Risk Management

Technical

Finance

Compliance

Quality Assurance

Health and Safety

Business Development

Relevant Roles

Project Director

Construction Manager

Contract Manager

Legal Counsel

Commercial Director

Procurement Manager

Technical Director

Risk Manager

Chief Operating Officer

Development Director

Site Manager

Quality Assurance Manager

Health and Safety Manager

Financial Controller

Compliance Officer

Industries
Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

Find the exact document you need

Enforceable Agreement

A legally binding agreement governed by German law, compliant with BGB requirements and commercial legislation.

find out more

Bilateral Contract

A German law-governed bilateral contract establishing mutual obligations between two parties, compliant with BGB requirements.

find out more

Basic Ordering Agreement

A German law-governed framework agreement establishing terms and conditions for future purchase orders between buyer and supplier.

find out more

Franchise Agreement Draft

A German law-governed agreement establishing the rights and obligations between franchisor and franchisee for operating a franchised business in Germany.

find out more

Consignment Agreement Form

A German law-governed agreement establishing terms for consignment sales arrangements, detailing rights and obligations between consignor and consignee.

find out more

Partnership Agreement Form

A German law-governed agreement establishing and regulating a business partnership, outlining essential terms and conditions while ensuring compliance with German legal requirements.

find out more

Registered Rent Agreement

A legally binding rental contract under German law that establishes the terms and conditions between landlord and tenant, compliant with BGB requirements and registration obligations.

find out more

Written Agreement

A formal Written Agreement compliant with German law requirements, establishing legally binding obligations between parties under German jurisdiction.

find out more

Simple Agreement

A basic contract template governed by German law, suitable for straightforward business arrangements and basic transactions.

find out more

Side Agreement

A German law-governed supplementary contract that modifies or clarifies terms of an existing main agreement while maintaining its core structure.

find out more

Mutual Agreement Between Two Parties

A German law-governed mutual agreement establishing bilateral obligations and rights between two contracting parties, structured according to BGB requirements.

find out more

Incorporation Agreement

A German legal document establishing a new company and defining its structure, governance, and shareholder relationships under German corporate law.

find out more

Formal Agreement

A formal agreement template compliant with German law, structured according to BGB requirements and commercial practices.

find out more

Tooling Agreement

A German law contract governing the manufacture, use, and maintenance of industrial tools and equipment between manufacturers and tool owners.

find out more

Residential Tenancy Agreement Standard Form Of Lease

Standard German residential lease agreement (Mietvertrag) compliant with German tenancy law, establishing terms between landlord and tenant.

find out more

Representation Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing the terms and conditions for commercial representation, compliant with HGB and BGB requirements.

find out more

Land Agreement Between Two Parties

A German law-governed agreement for land transactions between two parties, complying with BGB requirements and land registry regulations.

find out more

Contract Agreement Between Two Parties

A German law-governed contract agreement establishing legal terms and conditions between two parties, compliant with BGB requirements.

find out more

Common Terms Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing common terms for syndicated lending arrangements, serving as the primary document for multi-lender financing structures.

find out more

Buyer Agency Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing the relationship between a property buyer and real estate agent, defining services, obligations, and commission terms.

find out more

Agreement To Perform Work

A German law-governed contract establishing terms for specific work performance or project delivery between a contractor and client.

find out more

Commercial Lease Form

A German law-governed lease agreement for commercial properties, establishing terms for rental, usage, and obligations under German commercial property regulations.

find out more

Contra Agreement

A German law-governed agreement facilitating the direct exchange of goods/services between parties without monetary payment.

find out more

Lease Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing rental terms between landlord and tenant, complying with BGB requirements and German tenant protection regulations.

find out more

Contractual Agreement

A legally binding agreement under German law (BGB) establishing contractual obligations between parties, structured according to German legal requirements.

find out more

Security Agreement Form

A German law agreement establishing security interests over assets to secure financial obligations, governed by the BGB and HGB.

find out more

Labour Contract Agreement For Construction Of House

German law-compliant labor contract for house construction workers, incorporating construction industry regulations and safety requirements.

find out more

Partnership Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing a business partnership and defining partners' rights, obligations, and operational framework.

find out more

Business Cooperation Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for business cooperation between multiple parties, defining mutual obligations and collaboration framework.

find out more

Lodger Agreement

A German law-governed agreement between a main tenant and a lodger for renting a room in a shared living arrangement, including terms for rent, shared spaces, and house rules.

find out more

Consulting Agreement

German law consulting agreement establishing terms for professional consulting services, compliant with German civil and commercial law requirements.

find out more

Head Of Terms Agreement

A preliminary agreement under German law outlining key terms and conditions for a proposed business transaction, distinguishing between binding and non-binding provisions.

find out more

Supply Contract Form

A German law-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for regular supply of goods between supplier and buyer, incorporating key requirements of German commercial law.

find out more

Business Contract

A German law-governed business contract establishing commercial relationships between business entities, compliant with BGB and HGB requirements.

find out more

Umbrella Agreement

German law master agreement establishing framework terms for future commercial relationships, incorporating specific German legal requirements.

find out more

Share Purchase Agreement

A German law-governed agreement for the sale and purchase of company shares, setting out terms, conditions, and warranties for the transfer of ownership.

find out more

Rent To Own Agreement Form

A German legal document combining rental and purchase agreements, allowing tenants to rent property with future purchase rights while complying with German property law requirements.

find out more

Yearly Contract Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing a one-year contractual relationship with defined terms, conditions, and obligations between parties.

find out more

White Label Agreement

A German law-governed agreement enabling one company to rebrand and sell another company's products or services under their own brand name.

find out more

Website Development Agreement

German-law governed agreement for website development services, outlining project terms, deliverables, and legal obligations between developer and client.

find out more
See more related templates

Genie’s Security Promise

Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.

Your documents are private:

We do not train on your data; Genie’s AI improves independently

All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation

Your documents are protected:

Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security:

You retain IP ownership of your documents and their information

You have full control over your data and who gets to see it

2 Docs LeftAccess Now