Licensed crafts require registration in the trades register. Titles such as “Meister” are protected.
Legal framework
- § 1 HwO with Annex A: licensed crafts only with registration
- § 51 HwO: only those who passed the master craftsman examination may use the “Meister” title
- § 5 UWG: “master craftsman business” without a master is misleading
Case law
- BGH, 29 Oct 1992, I ZR 306/90 – advertising craft services without registration is misleading
Case examples
“Meisterbetrieb” without master
A roofing company advertises as a “Meisterbetrieb” although the master left two years ago. Misleading.
“Fixed price guaranteed”
A renovation firm advertises fixed prices while the contract allows surcharges for any “unforeseen work”. Misleading.
