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Legal Knowledge

How to Calculate Date Deadlines Under BGB Rules

By Dr. Jan Meier July 9, 2026
How to Calculate Date Deadlines Under BGB Rules

Calculating timelines for contracts and filings can be confusing. Under German Civil Code (BGB) rules, specific legal standards dictate exactly when a deadline starts and ends:

1. The Day of the Event (§ 187 BGB)

Usually, a deadline does not start on the day of the event itself. Instead, the countdown begins the following day (§ 187 Abs. 1 BGB). This is called the Ereignisfrist.

2. Weekend and Holiday Extensions (§ 193 BGB)

If a deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a state-recognized public holiday, the deadline is automatically extended to the next business day.

Summary

Using our smart online date calculator, you can compute these notice periods instantly for any German state without error.