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The Employment Termination Certificate (Arbeitszeugnis) is a fundamental document in German employment law, required whenever an employment relationship ends, whether through resignation, mutual agreement, or termination. Every employee in Germany has a legal right to receive this document under §109 GewO and §630 BGB. The certificate must provide a detailed assessment of the employee's performance and conduct during their employment period, following specific legal requirements and established language conventions. It serves multiple purposes: documenting the employment relationship, providing a reference for future employers, and fulfilling legal obligations. The document must be written in a positive yet truthful manner, avoiding any coded negative messages while still providing an accurate evaluation. Employers must issue this certificate promptly upon termination, and employees have the right to request modifications if they believe the content is unfair or inaccurate.

1. Header Information: Company details on letterhead, date, and title 'Arbeitszeugnis'

2. Personal Information: Employee's full name and sometimes birth date (if needed to clearly identify the employee)

3. Employment Duration: Precise start and end dates of employment

4. Job Description: Detailed description of the employee's role, responsibilities, and positions held

5. Performance Evaluation: Assessment of the employee's performance, including quality of work, knowledge, and capabilities

6. Conduct Evaluation: Description of the employee's behavior towards superiors, colleagues, and clients

7. Termination Statement: Statement about the reason for leaving (typically noting it was at employee's request) and expression of regret at their departure

8. Future Wishes: Good wishes for the employee's professional and personal future

9. Signature: Date, signature of authorized representative, and company stamp if applicable