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ΕλληνικάWhat is an Arbeitszeugnis?
The Arbeitszeugnis is in Germany an extremely important document — it's your "business card" in the job market. Every employee has a legal right under § 630 BGB and § 109 GewO to receive a written Arbeitszeugnis upon termination of employment.
A good Arbeitszeugnis can open doors, a bad one can close them — and the secret language of these certificates makes it difficult for outsiders to understand what is really meant.
Types of Arbeitszeugnisse
Einfaches Zeugnis
Contains only:
- Personal data (name, date of birth)
- Type of work (job title, duties)
- Duration of employment (from–to)
- No assessment of performance or conduct
Qualifiziertes Zeugnis
Also contains:
- Performance assessment — work quality, quantity, expertise, commitment
- Conduct assessment — behavior toward supervisors, colleagues, clients
- Closing formula — thanks, regret about departure, future wishes
Recommendation: Always demand a Qualifiziertes Zeugnis — it's more meaningful and expected by employers.
Zwischenzeugnis
A certificate during ongoing employment:
- Upon supervisor change
- Upon transfer or change of duties
- Upon planned resignation (for job search)
- No automatic right — but in practice it's usually granted
Secret Codes — Decrypting Arbeitszeugnis Language
Arbeitszeugnisse must be favorably worded — but this led to the development of a secret language. What sounds positive can actually be devastating.
Grade Scale in Arbeitszeugnis
| Grade | Performance Wording | Conduct Wording |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (very good) | "always to the fullest satisfaction" | "was always exemplary and was highly valued by all" |
| 2 (good) | "always to our full satisfaction" | "was always impeccable and was valued by all" |
| 3 (satisfactory) | "to the full satisfaction" | "was impeccable" |
| 4 (adequate) | "to our satisfaction" | "was correct" / "gave no cause for complaint" |
| 5 (poor) | "largely to our satisfaction" | "was on the whole satisfactory" |
| 6 (very poor) | "endeavored" / "attempted" | "endeavored to meet requirements" |
Hidden Warning Signals
| Wording | Sounds Like | Really Means |
|---|---|---|
| "He was always eager to fulfill tasks" | Hardworking | Couldn't manage |
| "She completed tasks to our satisfaction" | Well | Adequate (grade 4) |
| "He showed understanding for his work" | Competent | Accomplished nothing |
| "She was popular with colleagues" | Team player | Accomplished nothing, just talked |
| "He was sociable and contributed to company climate" | Sympathetic | Alcohol problem |
| "She delegated tasks well" | Leadership strength | Let others do the work |
| "He completed all work properly" | Correct | Only by-the-book work |
| "She was punctual and reliable" | Positive | Nothing else positive to say |
Closing Formula — Crucial!
| Wording | Meaning |
|---|---|
| "We greatly regret his departure and thank him for the outstanding collaboration. We wish him all the best and continued success." | Very good (grade 1) |
| "We regret his departure and thank him for the good collaboration. We wish him all the best and success for the future." | Good (grade 2) |
| "We thank him for the collaboration and wish him all the best for the future." | Satisfactory (grade 3) |
| "We wish him all the best for the future." | Adequate (grade 4) |
| No closing formula | Poor (grade 5) — absence is deliberate omission! |
Structure of a Good Arbeitszeugnis
Sample Layout
- Heading — "Arbeitszeugnis" or "Qualifiziertes Arbeitszeugnis"
- Introduction — Name, date of birth, position, employment duration
- Company description — brief overview of the employer
- Job description — tasks and areas of responsibility (detailed!)
- Performance assessment — expertise, work methods, commitment, results
- Management assessment — only for supervisors
- Conduct assessment — toward supervisors, colleagues, clients
- Closing formula — reason for departure, thanks, future wishes
- Date and signature — always use your last working day as date
Order of Conduct Assessment
Correct: "…toward supervisors, colleagues and clients was always impeccable."
Warning: If "supervisors" are not listed first, it means: "Had problems with supervisors."
Your Right to a Good Certificate
Right to Arbeitszeugnis
- When? Upon termination of employment (also after your resignation)
- Deadline: No statutory deadline, but claim may become invalid after 10–12 months
- Form: Written, on company letterhead, with original signature
Minimum Standards
An Arbeitszeugnis must:
- Be favorably worded — must not hinder job search
- Be truthful — no false claims
- Be complete — all relevant activities and periods
- Be clear and understandable — no secret codes (theoretically!)
- Be on company letterhead — with supervisor's original signature
- Have no creases — cannot be folded (creases can be interpreted as hidden messages)
Request Zeugnisberichtigung
If your certificate is too negative or contains errors:
- Request correction in writing (name specific desired changes)
- Set a deadline — e.g., 2 weeks
- Labor court — if employer doesn't respond, you can sue
- Burden of proof: For grade 3 or better, employer must prove you were worse. For grade 4 or worse, you must prove you were better.
Digital Certificate
Since 2025, employers can also issue a digital Arbeitszeugnis — with qualified electronic signature. Paper certificates remain the standard.
Tips for Foreigners
- Always demand Qualifiziertes Zeugnis — even after short employment
- Have certificate reviewed — migration counseling, union, or employment lawyer
- Know the secret codes — "to our satisfaction" is not a good grade!
- Don't wait too long — request certificate soon after last working day
- Have certificate translated — if you want to work abroad (certified translation)
- Request Zwischenzeugnis — upon supervisor change or planned resignation
Editorial hamboorg.city · As of: April 2026 · Carefully prepared, regularly updated. Content is informational and does not replace legal advice.