Entleiher

Entleiher is a term used in civil law, particularly in German-speaking countries, to denote a person who borrows a thing from another person under a loan-for-use arrangement (Leihe). The Entleiher receives temporary use of movable or immovable property but does not gain ownership; the lender or Verleiher retains ownership.

In a Leihe, the object remains the property of the Verleiher. The Entleiher may use the item only as agreed and must return it in the condition in which it was received, allowing for normal wear and tear. Leihe contracts are usually gratuitous, though a agreement to provide compensation or special conditions may be possible in some cases.

Liability and care are central: the Entleiher is typically responsible for damage or loss caused by fault or negligence and must compensate for damages beyond ordinary wear, or for failure to return the item. If an item is lost or destroyed through no fault of the Entleiher, obligations depend on the applicable law and the contract, but compensation to the Verleiher is common.

Duration and termination: the loan ends with return of the item, at the end of a fixed term, or upon notice if no term is specified. The Entleiher may be required to return the item promptly upon request by the Verleiher.

Difference to Mietvertrag: a Mietvertrag (rental) involves a paid use of the object (Miete) and typically creates different rights and obligations for Mieter and Vermieter. The Entleiher is thus distinct from a Mietnehmer.

Usage in practice: the term appears in contexts such as library lending, informal lending among individuals, and other short-term borrowing arrangements.