Before an architect in Germany designs a building, the project goals can be defined in a stage of their own. The standard DIN 18205 calls it Bedarfsplanung, needs planning, and it is often called Leistungsphase 0, phase zero. It covers clarifying the context of the project and setting its goals. Since 2018 the Civil Code also makes this a legal step. If the essential planning goals are not yet agreed, the architect must first prepare a planning basis to determine them, together with a cost estimate. The client may then end the contract within two weeks. For consumers, this period runs only once they have been told of this right in writing.