# Severability Clause

Source: https://contracko.com/clause-library/severability

# Severability Clause

Keeps the rest of the contract valid if one provision is held unenforceable, and provides for its replacement.

## What it is

A severability clause provides that if a court finds one provision invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions stay in force, and the void term is replaced by a valid one closest to the parties' intent. Dutch law addresses this through partial nullity under BW 3:41.

## Why it matters

It prevents one defective clause from sinking the whole contract. Combined with a conversion (conversie) mechanism, it keeps the deal alive and steers any replacement term toward what the parties originally intended.

## How to apply it

- State that invalidity of one clause does not affect the others.
- Require the parties to replace a void clause with a valid, economically equivalent one.
- Align it with BW 3:41 partial nullity and conversion under BW 3:42.
- Recognise that severance fails if the void term is essential to the bargain.

## Negotiation tips

- • Add a duty to renegotiate in good faith to replace the struck-out provision.
- • Identify any clause so fundamental that its invalidity should end the contract.

## Common pitfalls

- • Assuming severance always works; BW 3:41 makes it depend on the contract's coherence.
- • No replacement mechanism, leaving a gap where the void clause stood.

### How Contracko helps

Contracko's AI review can flag clauses that may be legally vulnerable, such as overbroad non-compete or penalty provisions, before they are tested in court. Keeping all contract versions in one repository with full version history means that if a clause is struck down and replaced, the updated version is the definitive record and the original is preserved for reference, avoiding the confusion of multiple document drafts.

## Legal references

- [BW 3:41 Partial nullity (partiële nietigheid) Dutch law](https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0005291)
- [BW 3:42 Conversion of void acts (conversie) Dutch law](https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0005291)

Unless marked otherwise, references are to Dutch law (Burgerlijk Wetboek, the Dutch Civil Code); EU instruments such as the GDPR apply across the EU. This is general information, not legal advice. Other jurisdictions treat these concepts differently. Verify the current text and your situation with a qualified lawyer.

## Relevant for

[Software & SaaS](https://contracko.com/industries/software-saas)[Financial Services](https://contracko.com/industries/financial-services)[Consulting](https://contracko.com/industries/consulting)[Manufacturing](https://contracko.com/industries/manufacturing)[Commercial Real Estate](https://contracko.com/industries/commercial-real-estate)

## Related clauses

- [Entire Agreement Clause](https://contracko.com/clause-library/entire-agreement)
- [Governing Law Clause](https://contracko.com/clause-library/governing-law)
- [Notices Clause](https://contracko.com/clause-library/notices)

## Related terms

- [Boilerplate](https://contracko.com/glossary/boilerplate)
- [Rescission](https://contracko.com/glossary/rescission)
- [Clause](https://contracko.com/glossary/clause)

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## Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this clause.

- **Q:** Does an invalid clause void the whole contract in the Netherlands?
  **A:** Not necessarily. Under BW 3:41 only the void part fails, unless that part is so connected to the rest that the contract cannot reasonably stand without it.

- **Q:** What is conversion (conversie)?
  **A:** Under BW 3:42 a void act may be converted into a valid one with equivalent effect that matches the parties' presumed intention, which is useful when a clause is struck down.

- **Q:** When does severance fail and the whole contract become void?
  **A:** Under BW 3:41 severance fails when the void provision is so central to the bargain that neither party would have contracted without it, and courts assess this based on the connection between the struck clause and the rest of the agreement.

- **Q:** Should the parties agree in advance how to replace a void clause?
  **A:** Yes. A good severability clause includes a renegotiation or automatic-replacement mechanism, directing the parties to agree on a valid provision that reflects the economic intent of the struck clause as closely as possible.

- **Q:** Is a severability clause needed if Dutch law already provides for partial nullity?
  **A:** It is still useful. A contractual clause guides the parties on replacement and confirms intent to preserve the rest of the contract, which supplements and strengthens the statutory default under BW 3:41.

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