Personal Work Reference Letter Template for Germany

The Personal Work Reference Letter (Arbeitszeugnis) is a fundamental document in German employment law, serving as an official record of employment and performance evaluation. It is mandatory for employers to provide this document upon an employee's request or at the termination of employment, as stipulated by German legislation. The document plays a crucial role in the German job market, as future employers typically expect to see these references as part of job applications. The content must strike a careful balance between truthfulness (Grundsatz der Wahrheit) and benevolence (Grundsatz der wohlwollenden Beurteilung), using standardized phrases that have specific meanings within German business culture. The document's format and content are heavily influenced by labor court decisions and established business practices, making it a unique feature of German employment relationships.

1. Letter Header: Company letterhead including full company name, address, and contact details

2. Date and Location: Current date and place of issuance

3. Title: Standard title 'Arbeitszeugnis' (Work Reference Letter)

4. Personal Information: Employee's full name, date of birth (optional but common), and job title

5. Employment Duration: Precise start and end dates of employment

6. Job Description: Detailed description of main tasks, responsibilities, and position within the company

7. Performance Evaluation: Assessment of work quality, knowledge, capabilities, and achievement of objectives

8. Conduct Evaluation: Description of behavior towards supervisors, colleagues, and if applicable, clients/customers

9. Reason for Termination: Standard phrase indicating reason for leaving (typically stating it was at employee's request)

10. Closing Formula: Standard closing with good wishes for the future

11. Signature Block: Date, signature of authorized representative, and company stamp if applicable