Nachbessern

Nachbessern is a German verb meaning to correct, improve, or repair something after an initial completion, to patch up inaccuracies or to make amendments. The related noun is Nachbesserung. The form combines nach- (after, subsequently) with bessern (to mend or improve).

In law, Nachbesserung often appears as part of Nacherfüllung in German civil code. In the context of defective goods from a sale, the buyer may demand Nachbesserung (repair) or Nachlieferung (replacement) by the seller. The seller is generally obliged to carry out the remedy at its own expense within a reasonable time. If the Nachbesserung fails, is disproportionate, or cannot be reasonably performed, the buyer may choose other remedies such as a price reduction or rescission of the contract, and may claim damages under applicable rules. Time limits, feasibility, and factual circumstances influence the availability and scope of Nachbesserung. In consumer transactions, statutory warranty provisions govern these rights, while in business-to-business contracts the terms may be defined by agreement.

Outside of law, Nachbessern is used in editing, publishing, and media production to denote revisions, corrections, or refinements made after an initial draft, print, or release. In editing, Nachbesserungen can include correcting errors, updating information, or improving clarity. In manufacturing or construction contexts, the term describes corrective work identified during quality checks or post-production inspections, where defects are addressed to meet contractual or quality standards.

Overall, Nachbessern denotes post hoc correction or improvement across legal, editorial, and production contexts.

---