Rechtserhebliche Altersstufen

Legally Relevant Age Groups are age brackets that reflect the gradual development of the legal status of citizens from infant to major. Austrian law lays down the following legally relevant age groups:

1) Infants (Kinder - up to the age of seven years): not responsible for torts, without capacity to contract except as regards minor everyday transactions typical of their age, which are legally effective (section 151, subsection 3 of ABGB General Austrian Civil Code of Law - "pocket money rule").

2) Children ("unmündige Minderjährige" - minors without full legal capacity - 7-14 years): limited responsibility for torts and limited capacity to contract. In addition to "pocket money" transactions, such minors also have the right to conclude transactions that entitle them but do not bind them in any way. For transactions on their part to be legally binding, the assent of their legal representative is required. In the absence of the legal representative's assent such transactions are regarded as "incomplete transactions" and the other contracting party is bound by her/his declaration until the minor's representative approves or rejects the transaction.

3) Minors ("mündige Minderjährige" - 14-19 years): their legal position is similar to that of children (see 2 above) but they have in addition the right of disposition over their own earnings and over objects which are put at their free disposal, provided this does not jeopardise their general wellbeing; minors can be committed to perform services.

4) Majority (from 19 years): persons of full legal age, i.e. fully responsible for tortious acts and with full legal capacity.