Aftale

Aftale is a binding agreement between two or more parties that sets out rights and obligations and can be written, oral, or implied by conduct. It is used in business and private life, and the term is common in Danish, Norwegian, and other Nordic languages. An aftale creates enforceable commitments only when the parties have capacity and the purpose is lawful; it is governed by relevant contract law.

Formation and elements typically include an offer, acceptance, and an intention to create legal relations. In many traditions, consideration is not required; instead, mutual assent and lawful purpose are essential. Contracts may be drafted with specific terms or left partially open and supplemented by applicable law.

Common types include employment contracts (ansættelsesaftale), sales contracts (købsaftale), service agreements (serviceaftale), and lease or rental agreements (lejeaftale). Internationally, states may conclude treaties or agreements that regulate cross-border relations, though such documents are often called traktater in Danish; in commercial use, the Danish term aftale is also common.

If an aftale is breached, remedies may include damages, specific performance, or termination. Many contracts also include dispute resolution provisions, such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or court litigation. Practical drafting notes emphasize clarity of scope, obligations, price, timelines, risk allocation, governing law, and termination conditions.