I can't cancel a gym, phone, or insurance contract

The rules changed in your favour recently — most of these traps are now escapable.

1. Know the current law. For consumer contracts signed since 2022, after the first term they may only renew month to month, cancellable with one month's notice — no more automatic year-long lock-ins.
2. Signed up online? There must be a cancel button. Providers are required to offer a Kündigungsbutton; if the contract began online, look for it first.
3. Cancel in writing and keep proof — email, or the button with a confirmation. Quote the contract number and add "at the earliest possible date" (zum nächstmöglichen Zeitpunkt).
4. A special right to cancel (Sonderkündigungsrecht) applies if they raise the price, or if you move away and can no longer use the service — moving abroad often qualifies.
5. Ignored or refused? The Verbraucherzentrale helps with unfair cancellation refusals, cheaply.

Rule for next time: photograph the term length and notice period before you sign, and set a reminder one month before it renews.