Construction law connects the commercial agreement with the technical project and the public permission to build. Our English-language guidance covers German public and private construction law and the EU rules relevant to project delivery.
Start with the decision you need to make
Before acquisition, focus on development potential, site rights and regulatory constraints. Before award, settle contractual scope, procurement obligations, security and risk allocation. During delivery, manage instructions, programme evidence and payments.
Choose the appropriate legal route
Contractual claims usually need civil-law analysis. Planning permission and enforcement involve public law. Procurement review has its own procedures. Criminal or administrative-offence investigations require a separate assessment of the alleged conduct and responsible persons.
Account for European and international interfaces
EU procurement, construction-product and energy-performance rules interact with national law. There is no uniform EU building-permit system. International projects also require a deliberate choice of governing law, dispute forum and project-country advice.
Four practical examples
Illustrative scenarios: the appropriate steps depend on the contract, evidence and applicable law. These are not reports of client matters.
A new commercial building
The owner needs both a workable contract and a lawful site. Coordinate planning due diligence with procurement and contract drafting.
A cross-border contractor
An overseas company enters the German market. Review mandatory local rules, contract administration and workforce requirements.
A defective completed project
The parties dispute design and workmanship. Organise technical evidence and identify the appropriate claims and defendants.
A public infrastructure tender
A bidder challenges an exclusion. Treat procurement deadlines as a separate urgent workstream.
Documents that help us assess your position
A short project summary, country and German state, parties, contract or decision, principal concern and any immediate deadline.
Discuss your project or dispute
Tell us where the project is located, who is involved and whether a deadline is approaching. We can then clarify the scope of the proposed engagement and the next steps.
Related construction law services
Legal framework & further reading
Reviewed: 12 November 2026. Statutory references are to German law unless stated otherwise.