Repairability becomes a key purchasing criterion in Germany

A new report by Repartly GmbH, based on a YouGov survey of approximately 2,100 people, highlights significant challenges regarding the repair of household appliances in Germany. The findings indicate that while 81 percent of Germans attempt to repair devices once they fall outside of warranty, 72 percent of those attempts fail.

Common obstacles to successful repairs include high costs, which were cited by nearly 60 percent of respondents, and technical impossibility. Furthermore, nearly half of the surveyed individuals reported that customer service or retailers advised against repairs. This trend is influencing consumer behavior, as 38 percent of Germans—and 46 percent of those aged 18 to 29—now actively consider repairability as a purchasing criterion. Approximately 50 percent of consumers state they will switch manufacturers following a failed repair.

Legal protections also play a critical role. Under German law and EU directives, consumers have a statutory right to warranty (Gewährleistung) for two years. Since 2022, a reversal of the burden of proof applies for the first twelve months, meaning the retailer must prove a device was defect-free at the time of purchase. However, consumer confidence remains low, with only 25 percent believing they can receive quick and uncomplicated help from retailers or customer service when defects occur.