If you have received a letter of termination as an employee, you should know that German labour law offers you possibilities to take action against this dismissal. One of these possibilities is an action for protection against dismissal. An action for protection against dismissal…
If you lose your job in Germany—whether by resignation, dismissal, or mutual agreement—you may be entitled to unemployment benefits (Arbeitslosengeld I). However, under certain circumstances, the German Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) can impose a blocking period, temporarily suspending your…
In times of economic crisis, business restructuring, or company shutdowns, employers may resort to large-scale layoffs. In Germany, this is referred to as a mass dismissal or mass redundancy (Massenentlassung). However, employers cannot simply terminate large numbers of employees without…
When your employment ends in Germany—whether through resignation, dismissal, or mutual agreement—you may still have outstanding vacation days. But what happens to these days once the contract ends? Can they be transferred, or must they be paid out? Under German…
In most employment situations in Germany, contracts must be terminated with notice. But under specific and serious circumstances, the law allows for a termination without notice—a drastic form of dismissal that ends the working relationship immediately and without a transition…
In Germany, employers can’t simply change the terms of your employment contract at will. If they want to reduce your salary, reassign you to a different city, or change your working hours permanently, they usually need your consent. But what…
When an employment relationship ends in Germany, it doesn’t always end in conflict. Instead of going through formal dismissal and potential legal battles, many employers and employees opt for a settlement agreement—a mutually agreed contract that terminates the employment relationship…
In many countries, employment can be ended without explanation—but not in Germany. Here, employees benefit from strong legal protections. If you’ve received a dismissal without reason, it’s important to know that this kind of termination is usually not lawful under…
Receiving severance pay in Germany (Abfindung) after losing your job can provide a vital financial cushion. But without proper tax planning, you might lose a substantial portion of your payout to the tax office. Fortunately, the German tax code offers…
Severance pay (Abfindung) can be a financial lifeline when your employment ends—whether due to layoffs, mutual termination agreements, or court settlements. But many employees are surprised to learn that severance payments are subject to income tax in Germany. Understanding how…