Resigning from a job in Germany: notice periods, a sample letter and pitfalls

As an employee in Germany you don't need a reason to resign. But you do have to get the form and the notice period right. Here's how.

1. Your resignation must be on paper and signed by hand

A resignation (Kündigung) must be in written form: on paper and signed by hand. By email, WhatsApp, text message or fax it is not valid. Saying "I quit" out loud isn't legally enough either.

2. Work out the right notice period

• During probation: two weeks, to any day.
• After probation (statutory period): four weeks to the 15th or the end of a calendar month.
• If your contract or collective agreement sets a longer period, that one applies. Check it.

The period starts on the day your letter reaches the employer – not the day you write it. A letter posted on the last day of the month may arrive too late.

3. Be able to prove it arrived

The safest way is to hand it over in person and have a dated, signed confirmation of receipt (Empfangsbestätigung) written on your copy. If that's not possible, drop it into the company's letterbox in front of a witness or send it by Einwurf-Einschreiben (registered mail with proof of delivery).

Sample resignation letter (in German)

The phrase "hilfsweise zum nächstmöglichen Zeitpunkt" (alternatively, at the next possible date) matters: if you got the date wrong, your resignation is still valid – it just takes effect at the next possible date.

4. Remaining holiday and overtime

• You can take your remaining holiday (Resturlaub) during your notice period. If that isn't possible, it has to be paid out (Urlaubsabgeltung).
• Claim unpaid overtime in writing, and watch out for cut-off periods in your contract.

5. Ask for a reference letter

You're entitled to a qualified reference letter (qualifiziertes Arbeitszeugnis) that also assesses your performance and conduct. It matters a lot for your next application – one sentence in your letter, as above, is enough.

6. No new job yet? Mind your unemployment benefit

• If you resign without a good reason, the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) can suspend your unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld) for up to twelve weeks (Sperrzeit). A termination agreement (Aufhebungsvertrag) can have the same effect.
• Register as a job seeker at least three months before your job ends (Arbeitsuchendmeldung). If you learn about it later, you have three days. Registering late can also lead to a suspension.

7. Is your residence permit tied to your job?

If your residence permit depends on a particular job or employer, talk to the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) before you resign or change jobs. With some permits, a change of job has to be reported or approved.