Termination Letter To An Employee Template for Germany

The Termination Letter To An Employee is a crucial document in German employment relations, used when an employer wishes to formally end an employment relationship. It must strictly comply with German employment law, which provides significant employee protections and requires specific formalities. The document must be issued in writing (electronic form is invalid), contain an unambiguous termination declaration, and specify the notice period and last working day. The letter typically includes information about final settlements, company property return, and reference letter provisions. Special consideration must be given to protected categories of employees and works council involvement where applicable. This document type is particularly sensitive as German courts carefully scrutinize termination letters, and any formal errors can invalidate the termination.

1. Header with Full Contact Details: Complete company details including registered address and employee's full name and address

2. Date: Current date when the termination letter is issued

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

4. Clear Statement of Termination: Unambiguous declaration of the termination of employment

5. Last Working Day: Specific mention of the last day of employment, considering notice period

6. Notice Period Reference: Reference to applicable notice period according to employment contract or law

7. Return of Company Property: Request for return of all company property by last working day

8. Final Settlement: Information about final salary payment and outstanding amounts

9. Reference Letter: Confirmation that an employment reference letter will be provided

10. Signature Block: Space for authorized signatory's original signature (mandatory under German law)