Document background
The Reference Letter For Laid Off Employee (Arbeitszeugnis) is a crucial document in German employment law, required whenever an employment relationship ends, including through layoffs. Unlike simple employment confirmations in many other jurisdictions, German reference letters must provide a comprehensive evaluation of the employee's performance, skills, and conduct while maintaining a principle of benevolence (Grundsatz der Wohlwollendheit). The document uses carefully coded language that has been standardized through decades of labor court decisions. It must be truthful yet constructive, helping the employee secure future employment while providing accurate information to potential employers. For laid-off employees, special attention must be paid to presenting the termination reason neutrally while maintaining the document's positive tone. This reference letter is particularly important in the German job market, where it serves as a standard part of job applications and is often scrutinized carefully by potential employers.
