Generic phrases in contracts

In our practice we often review contracts that contain generic phrases like "something happens, something will be paid". However, these phrases should always lead to reflection on whether it is sufficiently clear who has the obligation to fulfil, or if both parties consider the text as an obligation at all. There is a serious risk that a contract that looks good at first glance is in fact unenforceable because of the absence of a specific obliged party. We therefore recommend not to rely only on the first impression of a contractual relationship, but to read the text critically.