Notice of Defect (Mängelrüge)

A notice of defect (Mängelrüge) is a written complaint directed by a customer or buyer to the seller or manufacturer when a product or service is defective. The notice of defect serves to alert the seller or manufacturer that the product or service does not meet the contractually agreed requirements and that the buyer wishes to exercise their rights.

In the notice of defect, the customer or buyer should describe exactly what the defect is and when and how the defect occurred. It is also helpful if the customer or buyer attaches photos or other evidence that clearly demonstrate the defect. The notice of defect should be made in writing to ensure verifiability.

It is important to note that the notice of defect must be submitted within a specific deadline after the occurrence of the defect in order to preserve the buyer's rights. In Germany, this notice deadline (Rügefrist) is generally two months.