Articles of association (Gesellschaftsvertrag)

In practice

For a GmbH, UG or AG, any third party can inspect the articles of association. They are held by the register court and can be retrieved via the Handelsregister. That is why they contain only what concerns the constitution of the company, not what the shareholders agree among themselves. For a GmbH or UG, every amendment requires a further notarial recording and an entry in the Handelsregister. That costs time and money. Anyone who provides for foreseeable situations from the outset, such as a shareholder leaving and representation where there are several managing directors, avoids having to amend the articles of association later.