Document background
The Certificate of Employment Termination (Arbeitszeugnis) is a fundamental document in German employment law, required whenever an employment relationship ends, whether through resignation, mutual agreement, or dismissal. It is governed by several German regulations, including the Civil Code (BGB) §630 and Commercial Code (HGB) §109, which mandate its issuance and specify its content requirements. The document must include detailed information about the nature and duration of employment, along with an evaluation of the employee's performance and conduct, written in a positive yet truthful manner. Unlike reference letters in many other jurisdictions, the Arbeitszeugnis follows strict formatting and content conventions, using specific phrases that have developed standardized meanings in German employment practice. The document serves as an essential tool for future employment opportunities and must be provided to all employees regardless of position or industry.
