Dismissed in Germany?
Find Out What You Are Owed After a Dismissal
Plain-English guidance on German employment law, a severance pay calculator and a free case review by an employment lawyer who speaks your language.
What Is Your Situation?
I Have Received a Dismissal LetterThe three-week deadline is runningI Was Offered a Termination AgreementCheck it before you signI Want to Negotiate Severance PayFind out what is realisticMy Employer Wants Me to LeaveKnow your options firstDescribe your case and have it reviewed by an employment lawyer, free of charge.
Dismissal and Severance
What You Need to Know
This is how long you have to challenge a dismissal at the labour court. It runs from the day you receive the letter.
Unfair dismissal claims →Per year of service is the usual starting point for severance. Strong cases often achieve more.
Severance pay explained →After six months in a company with more than ten employees, your employer needs a valid reason to dismiss you.
Protection against dismissal →Signing a termination agreement can delay your unemployment benefit by up to twelve weeks.
The blocking period →From Our Guides
How It Works
Areas of Law
All Areas of LawFree Case Review by an Employment Lawyer
An employment lawyer looks at your case and tells you where you stand and what is realistic.
- Free and non-binding
- In English
- Confidential
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have a legal right to severance pay in Germany?
Usually not. German law has no general right to severance pay. In practice, most employers pay one anyway, because a dismissal that does not hold up in court is expensive for them. How much you get depends on how strong your position is.
How long do I have to act after a dismissal?
Three weeks from the day you receive the dismissal letter. Within this time you have to file a claim at the labour court. If you miss the deadline, the dismissal is generally treated as valid.
What does the free case review cost?
Nothing. The partner law firm pays us a fixed fee for each enquiry. You pay nothing and you are not committed to anything.
Do I need to speak German?
No. You can describe your situation in English, and the review takes place in English.
Is severance pay taxed?
Yes, severance is subject to income tax, but genuine severance is generally free of social security contributions. Since 2025, your employer deducts the full tax first. The reduced rate under the one-fifth rule (Fünftelregelung) is applied when you file your tax return.