What should a termination look like?

What you need:

• Notice of termination

Every termination must contain certain formalities. Errors lead to the ineffectiveness of the termination, with the result that the apparently terminated contractual relationship continues and you have to be referred to the next notice period. The consequences can be severe. So it is important that you know what a termination should look like.

How do I have to explain myself to the employer

• First read your employment contract. There you will find initial information about the formalities to be observed when terminating the contract.
• As a rule, the statutory notice period is also referred to. This results from § 622 BGB.

Note the deadlines for termination

• You can terminate your employment with four weeks' notice by the 15th of the month or at the end of the month. Longer notice periods only apply to your employer.
• A longer period of notice may have been expressly and individually agreed in the employment contract. In this case, this is decisive for your termination.


Notice periods - terminate properly without an employment contract

An employment relationship without a written employment contract is still an effective ...

• Note that four weeks does not equate to a month. A month can be 31 days, four weeks, or almost five weeks.
• For example, on the 15th If you terminate your employment relationship on February 1, 2012, you must notify your employer no later than 18. January 2012, four weeks in advance.
• Remember that for your termination to be effective, it depends on the employer’s access. It is not enough if you initiate your declaration of termination within these deadlines.

This is what your writing should look like

• As a rule, you have to declare your termination in writing. An email is usually not enough as it does not have your signature.
• You do not have to provide any reasons for your cancellation. It is your personal decision to terminate an employment relationship.
• Make sure that you address your notice of termination correctly. The correct company name of your employer is sufficient. You do not need to designate a personal contact person.
• Demand that the employer give you one certificate of employment exhibits.
• Ideally, you should personally hand over your declaration of termination to the employer and have a receipt for it. Otherwise, send them by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt.
• If in doubt, use a sample letter on the Internet as a guide so that you know for sure what a notice of termination should look like.