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Civil Code (BGB)
Introduction
The German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch, BGB) is the central body of German civil law. It came into force on January 1, 1900 and regulates legal relations between private individuals. The Civil Code is divided into five books that deal with different aspects of civil law.
Structure of the BGB
The BGB is divided into the following five books:
- General Part (§§ 1-240 BGB): Contains basic regulations that apply to all civil law, such as legal capacity, legal capacity and declarations of intent.
- Law of obligations (§§ 241-853 BGB): Regulates debt relationships, i.e. legal relationships in which one party owes performance, such as sales contracts, rental agreements and loan agreements.
- Property law (§§ 854-1296 BGB): Contains regulations on rights to property, such as ownership, possession and land.
- Family law (§§ 1297-1921 BGB): Regulates legal relationships within the family, such as marriage, divorce and custody.
- Law of Succession (Sections 1922-2385 of the German Civil Code): Contains regulations on legal succession by reason of death, such as wills and succession.
Significance of the BGB
The BGB is of central importance to the German legal system. It lays down the foundations for civil law and thus influences the daily lives of citizens in many ways. From contracts to property rights to family law matters, the BGB governs a wide range of legal relationships.
Conclusion
The Civil Code is a fundamental body of law that forms the basis of German civil law. It regulates the private-law relationships of citizens and is thus an indispensable component of the German legal system.