Document background
The Job Reference Letter For Employee Leaving (Arbeitszeugnis) is a fundamental document in German employment law that employers are legally obligated to provide when an employment relationship ends. This requirement applies regardless of the reason for termination, whether it's resignation, mutual agreement, or dismissal. The document must be issued in accordance with 搂109 of the German Trade Regulation Act (Gewerbeordnung) and 搂630 of the German Civil Code (BGB). It serves multiple purposes: documenting the employment relationship, providing a detailed assessment of the employee's performance and behavior, and supporting their future job applications. The content must follow established legal precedents and use standardized phrases that have specific meanings within German business culture. The letter must maintain a balance between truthfulness and benevolence, avoiding any statements that might hinder the employee's professional advancement while remaining accurate.
