Obligation and Schuldrecht
From Civil law
Contract and obligationsBasic ideas
What it means
In civil law, an obligation is a legal bond between two people, in which one (the debtor) owes something to the other (the creditor). The 'law of obligations' covers contracts, torts and unjust enrichment together.
Why it travels badly
In English, 'obligation' is a general word for any duty. In civil law it is a technical term. In German, Schuld means both debt and guilt, which is why the law of obligations is Schuldrecht.
How other systems say it
obligation / droit des obligations
A technical term: the bond itself, whether from contract, fault or the law.
Schuldverhältnis / Schuldrecht
Schuld means debt as well as guilt, so the word hides a legal and a moral idea in one.
law of contract, tort and restitution
English law divides the same ground into separate subjects.
Tip for translators and students
Do not translate 'law of obligations' as 'duty law'. Use the term and explain that it covers contract, tort and unjust enrichment.
Related: Tort and delict, Consideration
Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
TheLawToKnow Tools’s glossary is an educational overview of the main differences between legal systems. It is not legal advice.
