ABGB

ABGB, short for Allgemeines Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch, is the core civil code governing private law in Austria. Enacted in 1811 and coming into force on 1 January 1812, it established a comprehensive framework for civil legal relations, including contracts, obligations, property, family, and inheritance. The ABGB remains in force today, subject to subsequent amendments and modernization, and is the principal source of Austrian private law alongside other procedural and special laws.

The code is traditionally divided into a General Part and substantive sections on obligations (Schuldrecht), property (Sachenrecht), and family and inheritance (Familien- und Erbrecht). The General Part lays down fundamental concepts such as legal capacity, acts of legal transactions, and interpretation of laws, while the other parts regulate concrete civil matters. The ABGB reflects a synthesis of Roman law and natural-law ideas common in the German-speaking world and has historically influenced private-law reform in the region.

Significance: The ABGB is a foundational legal instrument in Austria, shaping everyday legal relations—such as contracts, leases, property transfers, and succession—and it has influenced the development of civil codes in other jurisdictions. It also serves as the baseline reference for Austrian private law in courts and legal practice.

In practice, the ABGB has been continually amended to align with modern requirements, including consumer protection, contract law, and digital commerce, ensuring its continued relevance in Austrian legal life.