Main menu

Pages

What is a certificate of employment in Germany?

 What is a certificate of employment in Germany?


code: 3124


What is a certificate of employment in Germany?





A certificate of employment is a document that is issued by an employer in Germany to confirm an employee's period of employment. This document is often required when applying for a loan, renting an apartment, or opening a bank account.


Who issues the required certificate of employment in Germany?


This must first be issued by the employer and serves as a certificate of the existing and now terminated employment relationship. The Employment Agency uses this proof in matters of unemployment benefit 1 as an important basis for decision-making and is therefore absolutely necessary. However, a distinction must be made between a certificate of employment and a confirmation of employment.


Employment certificate: The Arbeitsbescheinigung is based on an official form that the employer must fill out and submit to the Federal Employment Agency after the termination of the employment relationship.

Arbeitsbestaetigung: Within the scope of the confirmation of employment, the employer provides information about an existing employment relationship and confirms it.

If the employment relationship is terminated by the employer, the employer wants to part with the employee concerned as quickly as possible. It is like things that he does not particularly like his old boss. However, certain things still need to be clarified. So you can not just turn your back on your old company, but you still have to take care of the job reference.


The employer is obliged to issue such a reference and to provide information about the modalities of the previous employment relationship. This obligation on the part of the employer arises from Article 312 SGB III so that the unemployed person is in the right place with the old employer.


What information must a certificate of employment in Germany contain?

Certificate of employment in Germany

However, the former boss cannot issue an informal certificate of employment at his own discretion but must adhere to certain specifications. Accordingly, the following information must be provided:


  • Information about the employer.
  • Details about the employee.
  • The type of work performed.
  • The amount of the salary.
  • Beginning of the employment relationship.
  • End of the employment relationship.
  • Reasons for termination.

How do you get a reference in Germany?


The employer is therefore not free to draw up an employer's reference but must adhere to strict guidelines. In practice, however, this is not at all difficult to implement, because the Federal Employment Agency provides a sample that should be easily packaged.

The form ensures that it is a valid certificate of employment by Article 312 SGB III. This labor certification form is available at the Labour Office or can be accessed online.


What happens if the employer does not issue a certificate of employment?


Many employees suffer very unpleasant dismissals and have to fight hard to obtain a labor certificate. In principle, the employer must issue one, but unfortunately, the old supervisor often puts obstacles in the way of a terminated employee and refuses to issue a work certificate.


In such a case, the person concerned should contact the employment office. If the employer shows no understanding, the employment agency can impose a fine under Article 404 SBG III and thus exert pressure.


When is there a right to a certificate of employment?



In the past, it was common for the employer to issue the work certificate only after the employment relationship had ended. This is no longer the case today. Instead, the employee concerned must request a certificate.


Not only the employee but also the Federal Employment Agency can request the employer to complete the job reference. The employer's refusal is classified as an administrative offense and may give rise to a claim for compensation.


What is important to obtain a labor certificate in Germany?

Obtaining a certificate of employment

Employees have many questions about the certificate of employment. They are also uncertain and want a competent advisor at their side. Basically, you are in the right place at the employment office and can discuss all things with the employee. For those who want to research, here are two tips:


Obtain a certificate of employment early

It happens again and again that people do not request a work certificate until the employment relationship has ended. Even if the termination has already taken place and it is clear that going to the office is inevitable, many affected people are undecided.


But this is a big mistake that must be avoided at all costs. You must register as unemployed as soon as possible. If you call the employment agency immediately, you can receive benefits quickly and at least prevent unemployment from driving you into financial ruin. If you want to register as unemployed and claim unemployment benefit 1, a certificate of employment is a must.


Correcting the certificate of employment if it is incorrect

It should go without saying to fill out the certificate of employment correctly and completely. But mistakes can still happen and they are human. Anyone who discovers errors in his or her certificate of employment must immediately request that the relevant information be corrected.

Even though the falsified certificate of employment is not true, it can also lead to deficiencies for the employee. If the document has already been sent to the employment agency, it must be corrected.

In summary, dear reader. A certificate of employment is required in Germany whenever employees apply for unemployment benefits after losing their jobs. Employers, therefore, have obligations to their employees even after termination and the last day of employment, which include submitting the certificate of employment to the Employment Agency.





Comments

table of contents title