Cancel Subscriptions Monthly After the Initial Term
Under German consumer law, contracts signed after March 2022 cannot automatically lock you in for another full year.
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Gyms, phone providers, and internet companies sometimes tell customers they missed the cancellation deadline and must pay for another full 12 months. Under federal law (§ 309 Nr. 9 BGB), any consumer contract entered after March 1, 2022 can only renew on a month-to-month basis once the initial term ends.
STEP-BY-STEP ACTION PROTOCOL (4 STEPS)
- 1
Check when your contract was signed: rules apply to contracts signed on or after March 1, 2022.
- 2
Use the mandatory cancellation button ('Verträge hier kündigen') on the company website.
- 3
If support claims you are locked in for a full year, cite § 309 Nr. 9 BGB in writing and request confirmation of cancellation within 1 month.
- 4
Contact your bank to stop unauthorized direct debits if charges continue after your notice period.
OFFICIAL PORTALS & LEGAL REFERENCES
Frequently Asked Questions
Can German gym or internet contracts automatically renew for a full year?[FAQ]
No. Under § 309 Nr. 9 BGB, consumer contracts executed on or after March 1, 2022 may only renew indefinitely on a month-to-month basis with a maximum 1-month notice period once initial terms expire.
What is the mandatory online cancellation button in Germany?[FAQ]
Under § 312k BGB, commercial service providers must provide a clearly visible cancellation button ('Verträge hier kündigen') on their website allowing quick online termination.