auftraggebenden

Auftraggebenden is a German term used to refer to the party or parties that issue an order or commission a service, project, or contract. The standard singular form is der Auftraggebende, while the plural nominative is die Auftraggebenden. In practice the term is used in procurement, project management, and contract law to denote the customer or client who defines requirements and bears responsibility for the contract’s outcome.

Role and responsibilities: The Auftraggebenden specify scope, objectives, quality standards, deadlines, and budget in a contract or procurement document. They prepare tender documents or service specifications, issue calls for bids, select a supplier or contractor, and sign the contract. During execution, they monitor performance, approve deliverables, and authorize payments according to the contract. They are typically responsible for ensuring compliance with requirements and managing contract changes.

Relation to other parties: The Auftraggebenden are the counterparties to the Auftragnehmer (contractor) or other Ausführende. The relationship is governed by civil contract law and, in public procurement, by procurement regulations that require fair bidding, transparency, and accountability.

Language notes: In many contexts, Auftraggeber (singular) or Auftraggeberin (female) is the more common term for the client; Auftraggebende is a variation that emphasizes the actors who place orders. The declined form Auftraggebenden appears in sentences such as den Auftraggebenden obliegen … or die Auftraggebenden haben …

See also: Auftrag, Auftragnehmer, Ausschreibung, Beschaffung, Vertrag.