What must my website's imprint (Impressum) contain?
An incomplete imprint can trigger a formal warning notice (Abmahnung). Which details § 5 of the Digital Services Act (DDG) requires on every website — and how to avoid costly mistakes.
An imprint can look like a pure formality — until a required detail is missing and it turns into a formal warning notice (Abmahnung). Anyone operating a website or a commercial digital service must maintain a complete imprint that is easily recognisable, directly accessible and permanently available (§ 5 of the Digital Services Act, DDG — the successor provision to the former § 5 Telemedia Act, TMG). If even one mandatory detail is missing, the imprint will, as a rule, be liable to a formal warning notice.
How I can help you
- Reviewing your existing imprint for completeness
- Drafting a legally compliant imprint for your website or online shop
- Updating it after changes — for example a change of company name, legal form or authorised representatives
- Responding if you have already received a warning notice over a defective imprint
What the imprint must contain
Under § 5 DDG, the imprint must include, among other things: the name and address of the business, and — for legal entities — the legal form and authorised representatives, details enabling rapid electronic contact (such as an email address), and, for corporations, additional information such as the commercial register number and the competent register. Depending on the activity, further mandatory details may apply, for example concerning supervisory authorities or professional regulations for regulated professions. What matters is not only the content but also findability: the imprint must be reachable without lengthy searching, usually via an appropriately labelled link on every page.
More on imprints, terms and conditions, and warning notices on the topic page Contract Law.
How I proceed for you
I check your existing imprint point by point against the statutory requirements and add any missing details. If you have already received a warning notice, I additionally assess whether it is justified and how best to respond. Fixing an incomplete imprint is usually quick once you know exactly what is required — and it prevents future warning notices.
Have your imprint checked in advance, rather than having to react to a warning notice after the fact.
This article provides general information and is no substitute for legal advice in an individual case. Last updated: 2026-06-21.
Christian Czirnich, Rechtsanwalt (attorney at law), Kirchseeon near Munich
Send me the link to your website – I will take a look.
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