The termination of an obligational relationship occurs when the legal basis for the termination of an obligation is realised. An obligation ceases when the conditions that the OZ associates with the legal consequence of obligation termination are met.

The most common legal fact that leads to the termination of an obligation is the fulfillment of the contract. In addition, other causes include set-off (compensation), debt forgiveness, novation, impossibility of performance, lapse of time, termination, and the death of the debtor or creditor. An obligation terminates when it is fulfilled, as well as in other legally defined cases.¹⁸⁷ With the termination of the principal obligation, surety, pledge, and other accessory rights also cease.¹⁸⁸