The term “Arbeitszeugnis” translates literally to “work certificate” or “employment reference” in English. It is a document provided by employers in Germany when an employee leaves the company.
What is “Arbeitszeugnis”?
An Arbeitszeugnis is a formal written assessment of an employee’s performance and behaviour during their tenure at a company. It serves as a reference for future employers, offering insights into the employee’s skills, work ethic, and experiences. In Germany, it is a legal requirement for employers to issue an Arbeitszeugnis when an employee leaves the company, and it can be either a simple statement of employment or a more detailed evaluation[4][10].
More information about “Arbeitszeugnis”
The Arbeitszeugnis can be either a ‘einfaches Arbeitszeugnis’ (simple employment reference), which states the duration and nature of employment, or a ‘qualifiziertes Arbeitszeugnis’ (qualified employment reference), which includes an evaluation of the employee’s performance and reasons for leaving. The language used in an Arbeitszeugnis is often nuanced, with seemingly positive statements potentially carrying negative connotations. Therefore, it is sometimes necessary to decode these references to understand the true assessment[3][5][8].
Related to “Arbeitszeugnis”
Here are some additional terms that are related to Arbeitszeugnis:
- Einfaches Arbeitszeugnis: A basic employment reference that confirms the employment period and job title without evaluating performance.
- Qualifiziertes Arbeitszeugnis: A detailed reference that includes an assessment of the employee’s performance and conduct.
- Zwischenzeugnis: An interim report that employees can request during their employment, for example, when they are considering a job change.
Understanding the Arbeitszeugnis is crucial for employees in Germany, as it can significantly impact their future job prospects[8].