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Employee Severance Agreement for Germany

Employee Severance Agreement Template for Germany

A comprehensive legal document governed by German employment law that formalizes the mutual agreement between an employer and employee to terminate their employment relationship. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the separation, including severance payment, final entitlements, and post-employment obligations. It must comply with German labor regulations, including the German Civil Code (BGB), Protection Against Dismissal Act (KSchG), and relevant tax laws. The document typically includes provisions for reference letters (Arbeitszeugnis), handling of company property, confidentiality obligations, and mutual release of claims.

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What is a Employee Severance Agreement?

The Employee Severance Agreement (Aufhebungsvertrag) is a crucial document in German employment law used when an employer and employee mutually agree to end their employment relationship. It serves as a legally binding contract that protects both parties' interests while ensuring compliance with German labor regulations. This document is typically used in situations of mutual separation, corporate restructuring, or as an alternative to unilateral termination. It must address specific requirements under German law, including mandatory reference letters, notice periods, and works council involvement where applicable. The agreement should be carefully drafted to ensure it meets tax optimization requirements and social security implications under German legislation. Key components include severance calculation, treatment of outstanding benefits, and post-employment obligations, all structured to withstand scrutiny under German employment law.

What sections should be included in a Employee Severance Agreement?

1. Parties: Identification of the employer and employee, including full legal names, addresses, and relevant registration numbers

2. Background: Context of the employment relationship, including start date, position, and brief reason for termination if mutually agreed

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement, ensuring clarity and precise interpretation

4. Termination Date: Clear statement of when the employment relationship will end, including last working day if different

5. Severance Payment: Amount of severance payment, calculation basis, payment date, and tax treatment under German law

6. Final Salary and Benefits: Details of final salary payment, treatment of outstanding vacation days, bonuses, and other benefits

7. Company Property: Requirements and timeline for returning company property, including documents, equipment, and access cards

8. Confidentiality Obligations: Ongoing obligations regarding confidential information and trade secrets

9. Release of Claims: Mutual release of claims, specifically structured to comply with German law requirements

10. Reference Letter: Commitment to provide a qualified reference letter (qualifiziertes Arbeitszeugnis) as required by German law

11. Social Security and Insurance: Implications for social security and continuation of insurance coverage

12. Final Provisions: Standard closing provisions including governing law, severability, and entire agreement clause

What sections are optional to include in a Employee Severance Agreement?

1. Garden Leave: Terms of garden leave period if applicable, including duration and obligations

2. Post-contractual Non-compete: Terms of any post-employment competition restrictions, if applicable and with appropriate compensation as required by German law

3. Outplacement Services: Details of any career transition support services being provided

4. Stock Options/Equity: Treatment of outstanding stock options or equity compensation

5. Works Council Agreement: Reference to any works council agreement if applicable

6. Press Release/Communications: Agreed approach to internal and external communications about the departure

7. Pension Arrangements: Special provisions regarding company pension schemes if applicable

8. Training Costs Repayment: Waiver or handling of any training cost repayment obligations

What schedules should be included in a Employee Severance Agreement?

1. Schedule 1 - Calculation of Severance Payment: Detailed breakdown of severance payment calculation

2. Schedule 2 - Outstanding Benefits Statement: List of all outstanding benefits, vacation days, and other entitlements

3. Schedule 3 - Company Property Register: Itemized list of company property to be returned

4. Schedule 4 - Reference Letter Draft: Agreed form of reference letter text

5. Appendix A - Data Privacy Declaration: Specific agreements regarding handling of personal data post-employment

6. Appendix B - Benefits Continuation Summary: Details of any benefits that continue post-employment and their duration

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Ƶ | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

Germany

Publisher

Ƶ

Document Type

Employment Contract

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions






























Clauses



































Relevant Industries

Technology

Manufacturing

Financial Services

Professional Services

Healthcare

Retail

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Insurance

Banking

Relevant Teams

Human Resources

Legal

Finance

Compliance

Executive Leadership

Operations

Administration

Payroll

Corporate Communications

Risk Management

Relevant Roles

Human Resources Director

Legal Counsel

Chief Executive Officer

Managing Director

HR Manager

Compliance Officer

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Division Head

Plant Manager

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Team Leader

Executive Assistant

Administrative Manager

Industries








Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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