Document background
The Notice of Departure (Kündigungserklärung) is a crucial document in German employment law that formalizes the termination of an employment relationship. It must be used whenever an employment contract is terminated, whether initiated by the employer or in response to an employee's resignation. The document must strictly comply with German Civil Code (BGB) requirements, particularly §§ 622 and 623, which mandate written form and specify notice periods. Key information included covers the termination declaration, last working day, final settlement details, and company property return requirements. When used in companies with works councils, additional consultation requirements apply. The notice must be clear, unambiguous, and meet all formal requirements to be legally valid under German law.
