Employee Separation Notice Template for Germany

The Employee Separation Notice (Kündigungsschreiben) is a crucial document in German employment law, used when an employer needs to formally terminate an employment relationship. It must strictly comply with German labor law requirements, particularly § 623 BGB requiring written form, and may be subject to the Protection Against Dismissal Act for companies with more than 10 employees. The document includes essential information such as the clear termination declaration, notice period, and effective date of termination. It can be used for both ordinary termination (with notice period) and extraordinary termination (without notice for serious cause). The document triggers important legal consequences and timeframes, including the employee's three-week period to challenge the termination in labor court. Special considerations apply for protected employee groups (e.g., pregnant employees, severely disabled persons) and when works council consultation is required.

1. Header Information: Company letterhead, date, and employee's full address

2. Subject Line: Clear indication that this is a termination notice (Kündigung des Arbeitsverhältnisses)

3. Type of Termination: Specification of whether this is an ordinary termination (ordentliche Kündigung) or extraordinary termination (außerordentliche Kündigung)

4. Termination Declaration: Clear and unambiguous statement of termination

5. Effective Date: Specific mention of when the employment relationship will end, considering statutory notice periods

6. Signature: Space for authorized representative's signature with name and position