Document background
The Certificate of Career Form (Arbeitszeugnis) is a fundamental document in German employment law, required whenever an employment relationship ends. This legally binding document serves multiple purposes: it provides future employers with standardized information about a candidate's capabilities and conduct, offers employees an official record of their work history, and fulfills legal obligations under German labor regulations. The certificate must be issued upon request during employment or automatically upon termination, following strict guidelines regarding content, language, and format. It includes detailed information about the employee's role, responsibilities, performance, and behavior, written in a standardized positive language known as "Zeugnissprache." The document's importance in the German job market cannot be overstated, as it is regularly requested during job applications and can significantly impact career opportunities.
