One hundred years of VOB: How the regulations shape the construction industry

The German Construction Contract Procedures (VOB) celebrated its centenary on May 6, 2026. The construction industry is commemorating the great importance of these regulations for the sector.

On May 6, 2026, the German Construction Contract Procedures (VOB) turned one hundred years old. The construction industry is using this anniversary to emphasize the enormous importance of the VOB for the entire sector.

A set of rules as a joint task

Since 1926, the VOB (German Construction Contract Procedures) has governed construction in Germany. It stipulates how companies award and execute construction contracts. What's special about it is that no one simply dictates the VOB. Instead, the federal government, states, municipalities, and construction companies develop the rules jointly. All parties involved negotiate with each other and seek solutions that work in practice and are fair for both sides.

"The VOB is the only set of rules that clients and contractors develop jointly . This principle of voluntary compromise is its real strength – and the reason why it has worked for a hundred years," says Felix Pakleppa , Managing Director of the Central Association of the German Construction Industry (ZDB) . "The VOB is the fundamental law of our construction industry."

Bulwark against corruption

This collaboration creates clear and uniform rules for all levels of government. For construction companies, this means transparent tendering processes and equal opportunities for public contracts. All businesses can submit bids under the same conditions. The VOB (German Construction Contract Procedures) thus actively reduces the chances of corruption . It establishes clear procedures and comprehensible decisions.

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"Reliable and uniform rules are essential, especially for our medium-sized businesses that create jobs locally and maintain the infrastructure of this country . The VOB guarantees them a fair chance in the competition for public contracts – a value we cannot overestimate," emphasizes Pakleppa.

More than a legal document

The VOB (German Construction Contract Procedures) demonstrates how effectively the public and private sectors can collaborate when both sides communicate openly and work together to find solutions. It is not merely a legal framework, but an essential tool for everyday life on construction sites and in offices. "The VOB is a legal milestone for the construction industry, but also for the government. My wish for this anniversary is that those in political office do not forget the unique nature of this set of regulations and that we continue to develop it with the same diligence in the future," Pakleppa concluded.

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