Defamation in the workplace

Bad gossip is also called "flaming" in modern German, as far as it is spread on the Internet. It is a criminal offense under Section 186 of the Criminal Code.

The defamation endangers your reputation

• Defamation is when the perpetrator makes derogatory allegations about another person that he or she does not know whether they are true or false. The mere fact that the perpetrator attacks the victim's honor and dignity without knowing whether there is an objective basis for this justifies criminal liability. The offense is a so-called reputational offense.
• If he knows that his allegations are false, he will commit a defamation under Section 187 of the Criminal Code, which is subject to an even higher range of punishment. In contrast to the insult of Section 185 of the Criminal Code, the damage to reputation associated with the defamation has an aggravating effect.
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• Defamation and rumor are largely identical. Their effects are often, especially am Workplace, fatal. It's difficult to fight back rumors. Rumors have a life of their own. They spread out as if a stone were thrown into the water and created waves.

Put the perpetrator in the workplace

• The only option you have initially is to speak to the suspect personally and directly. Do not do this in the presence of other people. In this case, the perpetrator sees his defense only in attacking you. He will certainly not admit that he is responsible for what happened and deny everything. You only have a chance to influence him if you talk to him in private.


Defamation - this is how you clear up half-truths

Defamation is bad, and lawmakers offer some protection too ...

• Do not get ahead on this path, try to refute the rumor with facts. Come up with a strategy for how to go about it and what you can do about it. It depends on the situation.
• It is also important that you include the perpetrator's motivation. You should take into account the reasons why he wants to drag you into the dirt.
• If possible, behave in such a way that the situation does not escalate. The more you stir up the dust, the wider the issue. Many rumors fall silent on their own, especially when the perpetrator and the people around him notice that you are not showing any interest. The more concerned you are, the more likely those around you will assume that the rumor may be true.
• If the perpetrator is aloof, involve a third person as a mediator. If the defamation happens in the workplace, it can be your employer or your joint manager.
• In extreme cases, the only thing that really helps is a criminal complaint on suspicion of defamation. Go to the nearest police station and report the matter. However, given the workload of the police force, you shouldn't expect too much support.