Gift mortis causa (Schenkung auf den Todesfall)
A promise to make a gift (Schenkungsversprechen) made subject to the condition that the donee survives the donor is governed by the provisions concerning dispositions mortis causa. See § 2301(1) BGB. Therefore, it must generally comply with the form of a Will (Testament). However, If the donor executes the gift by delivery of the asset subject to the gift contract, the provisions concerning gifts inter vivos apply (§ 518 para 2 BGB). See § 2301 para 2 BGB. Such execution of the gift requires that the donor has done everything during his lifetime to complete the gift.