Phone contract summary and cooling-off in Germany

The short answer

Before you sign, the provider must give you a free contract summary on the EU template: contact details, main features, prices, term, renewal and cancellation. If technical reasons delay it, the contract is valid only once you approve it in text form (§ 54 TKG).

Before you sign, you should get the key terms in writing: price, term, speed and how to leave. In many countries a short contract summary is required, and contracts made online, by phone or at your door usually come with a cooling-off period. The rules for Germany are below.

Official source: gesetze-im-internet.de · Checked 2026-10-14

📜 The rules in Germany

The details

Contracts made by phone only take effect after you receive the summary, for example by email, and approve the contract in text form; an email is enough. (bundesnetzagentur.de)
Contracts made online, by phone or away from business premises usually carry a 14-day right of withdrawal from conclusion. Contracts signed in a shop usually have none. (bundesnetzagentur.de)
The withdrawal period is 14 days and normally starts when the contract is concluded; sending your withdrawal in time is enough, and you need not give reasons (§ 355 BGB). (gesetze-im-internet.de)

Schlichtungsstelle Telekommunikation der Bundesnetzagentur

Handles disputes when you did not get the required information or summary before signing; no existing contract is needed for this.

🔗 bundesnetzagentur.de

Official source: bundesnetzagentur.de · Checked 2026-10-14

🪜 Step by step

Ask for the contract summaryRead the price after any discount, the minimum term, the speeds and the conditions for leaving.
Keep everythingSave the summary, the contract and the offer you were shown, with the date.
Know your cooling-off periodIf you signed online, by phone or at your door, check how long you have to change your mind.
Cancel in a way you can proveUse the form or address the provider gives, and keep proof of when you sent it.

📇 Who to contact

Schlichtungsstelle Telekommunikation der BundesnetzagenturHandles disputes when you did not get the required information or summary before signing; no existing contract is needed for this.🔗 www.bundesnetzagentur.de/DE/Vportal/Schlichtung/Schlichtung_TK/start.html

VerbraucherzentraleIndependent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.verbraucherzentrale.de

BundesnetzagenturSupervises phone and internet providers and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a provider that breaks the rules📞 0228 14 15 16 🔗 www.bundesnetzagentur.de/DE/Vportal/TK/start.html

❓ Questions

Does the cooling-off period apply to a contract signed in a shop?

Usually not: it normally covers contracts made online, by phone or away from the shop.

Do I pay for days I already used?

If you asked for the service to start during the cooling-off period, you may have to pay for the days you used.

What if I never got a contract summary?

Tell the provider in writing and ask the regulator what this means for your contract in Germany.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-10-14

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

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📝 What must I get before I sign a phone or internet contract in Germany, and can I change my mind?