Mängelfrei

Mängelfrei is a term used in several Germanic languages to describe goods, services, or outcomes that are free from defects and fully compliant with agreed specifications. The word combines mängel (defects) and frei (free), and although the exact spelling and usage vary by language, the underlying concept is common in contract law, procurement, and quality management.

In contract and sales contexts, a delivery described as mangelfrei is expected to meet the contractual specifications and be free of material defects at the time of transfer. If defects are found, affected parties may rely on remedies under the applicable law, such as warranty or Gewährleistung, to demand repair, replacement, a reduction of price, or rescission. The precise scope depends on jurisdiction and the terms of the contract.

In real estate and construction, mangelfrei may refer to a building or renovation handed over free of latent defects. However, many jurisdictions require disclosure of known defects and provide recourse for latent defects discovered after handover, within statutory limits.

In production and quality control, mangelfrei is used as an acceptance criterion; products must pass inspection without defects to be deemed acceptable. The term often appears in procurement specifications and supplier agreements, where meeting the mangelfrei standard is linked to payment and warranty provisions.

Important to note is that mangelfrei is descriptive rather than a universal legal warranty. The legal remedies and definitions depend on governing law and contract terms, which may specify exceptions such as minor defects, wear and tear, or agreed tolerances. See also Gewährleistung, Mängelhaftung, Abnahme, and Qualitätsmanagement.