Germany's Federal Court of Justice ruled on Thursday that fitness studios may not promote alternatives such as contract pauses on the confirmation page shown after a customer cancels online, siding with consumer advocates in a case that could reshape digital subscription practices across the country.
The first senate overturned a September 2025 decision by the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court that had dismissed the complaint, and ordered FitX to cease the practice. The Essen-based chain, which describes itself as Germany's second-largest fitness provider, had prominently placed a "pause contract in self-service" button on its cancellation confirmation page.
The Federation of German Consumer Organisations brought the case. The ruling, filed under case number I ZR 200/25, is expected to apply to other online services including streaming platforms.