Auftraggeber

Auftraggeber is a term used in German contract and procurement law to denote the party that issues an order or mandate to another party. The Auftraggeber is the client or principal in a contractual relationship, while the counterparty is typically the Auftragnehmer, the party who performs the service or delivers the work.

In civil law, the relationship between Auftraggeber and Auftragnehmer arises through various contract forms, such as a mandate (Auftrag, governed by the relevant provisions in the German Civil Code), a Dienstvertrag (service contract), or a Werkvertrag (works contract). The Auftraggeber defines the requirements, provides necessary information, and pays the agreed remuneration. The Auftragnehmer undertakes to perform the stipulated services or deliverables with due care and in accordance with the contract specifications. Acceptance procedures and defect handling are often contractually outlined, including remedies for non-conformities.

In the context of public procurement, an Auftraggeber may be a public sector entity and is referred to as a öffentlicher Auftraggeber. Such entities are subject to procurement law, including national regulations (for example, the GWB and related VOB/VOL provisions) and European Union directives. The central aims are transparency, non-discrimination, and fair competition in awarding contracts for goods, services, or construction works. The process culminates in an Auftrag or contract with a private company or supplier, subject to mandatory procedural rules, notices, and possible remedies.

Overall, the Auftraggeber is the originator of the engagement, setting the assignment, conditions, and compensation, while the Auftragnehmer fulfills the contractual obligation.