The term “Kündigungsfrist” translates to “notice period” in English. It refers to the time frame that must elapse between the announcement of a termination of an employment contract and the actual end of the employment.
What is “Kündigungsfrist”?
In Germany, the “Kündigungsfrist” is a crucial aspect of employment law, dictating the minimum amount of time that must pass between when an employee or employer announces the termination of an employment contract and when the contract actually ends. This period allows both parties to prepare for the transition, whether it’s the employee finding new employment or the employer finding a replacement. The statutory minimum notice period is four weeks to the 15th or to the end of a calendar month, but this can vary depending on the employment contract, collective agreements, or if the employment is subject to specific laws or regulations[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].
More information about “Kündigungsfrist”
The “Kündigungsfrist” can be extended based on the duration of employment, with longer periods required for employees who have been with a company for several years. For example, after two years of employment, the notice period extends to one month to the end of a calendar month, and it increases progressively with the length of service, up to seven months to the end of a calendar month after 20 years of service[6]. Special rules apply for the probation period, during which the notice period is typically two weeks[2][4]. Additionally, there are specific regulations for the termination of employment contracts without notice, known as “außerordentliche Kündigung” or extraordinary termination, which can occur under certain circumstances, such as gross misconduct[1][8].
Related to “Kündigungsfrist”
Here are some additional terms that are related to “Kündigungsfrist”:
- ProbezeitProbezeit translates to "probation period" in English. It is a term commonly encountered by employees in Germany, marking an initial... More: The probation period, usually the first six months of employment, during which a shorter notice period applies[2][4].
- Außerordentliche Kündigung: Extraordinary or immediate termination of an employment contract without adhering to the standard notice period, typically due to serious breaches of contract[1][8].
- Tarifvertrag: Collective agreements that can specify different notice periods for employees covered by them[1][2].
Understanding the “Kündigungsfrist” is essential for both employers and employees to ensure that employment terminations are handled legally and fairly.