About This Template
This Impressum template is designed for businesses operating websites accessible in Germany and the European Union. Under German law (Telemediengesetz, TMG Section 5) and the EU E-Commerce Directive, commercial websites must provide specific identification information. This template covers all legally required fields.
Disclaimer: This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney to ensure your Impressum meets all applicable legal requirements in your jurisdiction.
Template Sections
Section 1: Company Information
Provide the full legal identification of the company operating the website.
Suggested text:
[Your Company Name] [Legal form, e.g., GmbH, UG (haftungsbeschrankt), AG, Einzelunternehmen]
[Street Address] [Postal Code] [City] [Country]
Required details by entity type:
- GmbH / UG: Full company name including legal form designation
- AG: Company name, registered office, and supervisory board chair
- Einzelunternehmen: Full name of the sole proprietor
- GbR / OHG / KG: Names of all personally liable partners
Section 2: Contact Details
Provide legally required contact information that allows quick and direct communication.
Suggested text:
Contact: Phone: [+49 XXX XXXXXXXX] Fax: [+49 XXX XXXXXXXX] (if applicable) Email: [contact@yourcompany.com]
Inquiries may be directed to the above contact details during regular business hours. We aim to respond to all inquiries within two business days.
Important notes:
- A contact form alone is not sufficient under German law; a direct email address is required
- The phone number must be a direct line, not solely an automated system
- All contact information must be kept current and functional
Section 3: Registration Information
Include details about the company's commercial and trade register entries.
Suggested text:
Commercial Register: Registered at: [Amtsgericht (Local Court)] [City] Registration Number: HRB [XXXXX]
Trade Register / Professional Register: (if applicable) [Register name and entry number]
Applicable registrations:
- Handelsregister (HRB for GmbH/AG, HRA for OHG/KG)
- Genossenschaftsregister for cooperatives
- Vereinsregister for registered associations
- Partnerschaftsregister for professional partnerships
Section 4: VAT Identification Number
Provide the VAT identification number as required by German tax law.
Suggested text:
VAT Identification Number (according to Section 27a of the German Value Added Tax Act): DE [XXXXXXXXX]
Tax Number (optional, for additional transparency): [XXX/XXX/XXXXX]
Notes:
- The VAT ID (Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer) is mandatory if one has been assigned
- Small businesses exempt under Section 19 UStG should note their exemption status
- The general tax number (Steuernummer) is optional but may be included
Section 5: Responsible Person for Editorial Content
Identify the person responsible for editorial content under German press law.
Suggested text:
Responsible for content according to Section 18 (2) MStV: [Full Name] [Street Address] [Postal Code] [City]
The named person is responsible for all editorial content published on this website unless otherwise indicated on specific pages.
When this is required:
- Websites that publish journalistic or editorial content
- Blogs, news sections, or opinion pieces
- Any content that goes beyond pure commercial information
Section 6: Dispute Resolution
Include the required information about dispute resolution procedures for EU consumers.
Suggested text:
EU Online Dispute Resolution: The European Commission provides a platform for online dispute resolution (OS): https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr. Our email address can be found in the contact details above.
Consumer Dispute Resolution: We are not willing or obliged to participate in dispute resolution proceedings before a consumer arbitration board.
Alternative text if participating in arbitration:
We are prepared to participate in an out-of-court arbitration procedure before the following consumer arbitration board: [Name and address of the arbitration board].
Section 7: Liability Notices
Include standard disclaimers regarding content accuracy and external links.
Suggested text for own content:
Liability for Content: As a service provider, we are responsible for our own content on these pages in accordance with general laws pursuant to Section 7 (1) TMG. However, according to Sections 8 to 10 TMG, we are not obligated to monitor transmitted or stored third-party information or to investigate circumstances that indicate unlawful activity. Obligations to remove or block the use of information under general law remain unaffected.
Suggested text for external links:
Liability for Links: Our website contains links to external websites of third parties over whose content we have no influence. We therefore cannot accept any liability for this third-party content. The respective provider or operator of the linked pages is always responsible for the content of those pages. The linked pages were checked for possible legal violations at the time of linking. Illegal content was not recognizable at the time of linking. Permanent monitoring of linked pages is unreasonable without concrete evidence of a violation.
Section 8: Copyright Notice
State the copyright protection applicable to the website content.
Copyright: The content and works on these pages created by the site operator are subject to German copyright law. Duplication, processing, distribution, or any form of commercialization of such material beyond the scope of copyright law requires the prior written consent of the respective author or creator. Downloads and copies of this site are only permitted for private, non-commercial use. For questions about copyright, contact us at: [legal@yourcompany.com] or write to [Your Company Address].
How to Use This Template
- Download the template using the link above
- Replace all placeholder text (indicated by square brackets) with your company's specific information
- Review the template with a legal professional familiar with German media and telecommunications law
- Publish the Impressum as a dedicated page accessible from every page of your website within two clicks
- Review and update the Impressum whenever your company details, registration, or contact information change