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Bitte um ein qualifiziertes Arbeitszeugnis

Request a work reference (Arbeitszeugnis) — template

In Germany you have a legal right to a written work reference (Arbeitszeugnis) when you leave a job — and future employers will expect to see it. Always ask for the 'qualifiziertes' version, which covers performance and conduct, not just dates.

The German template

Replace everything in [square brackets] with your details.

[Vorname Nachname]
[Abteilung / Position]

[Firma]
[Name der Führungskraft / HR]

[Ort], den [Datum]

Bitte um ein qualifiziertes Arbeitszeugnis

Sehr geehrte/r [Name],

im Zusammenhang mit meinem Ausscheiden zum [Datum] bitte ich um die Ausstellung eines qualifizierten Arbeitszeugnisses, das sich auch auf meine Leistung und mein Verhalten erstreckt.

Ich würde mich freuen, das Zeugnis bis zum [Datum] zu erhalten.

Vielen Dank und mit freundlichen Grüßen

[Unterschrift]
[Vorname Nachname]

What it says in English

[Your name]
[Department / position]

[Company]
[Manager / HR name]

[City], [date]

Request for a qualified work reference

Dear [name],

In connection with my departure on [date], I kindly request a qualified work reference (qualifiziertes Arbeitszeugnis) covering my performance and conduct.

I would appreciate receiving it by [date].

Many thanks and kind regards

[Signature]
[Your name]

Before you send it

  • You're entitled to it by law (§ 109 GewO) — for any job, including working-student and mini-jobs.
  • A Zeugnis must be benevolent ('wohlwollend') — but coded phrases exist. 'Stets zur vollsten Zufriedenheit' = excellent; 'zur Zufriedenheit' alone ≈ mediocre.
  • Ask BEFORE your last day; chasing a Zeugnis from abroad later is painful.
  • Also request an Interim Reference (Zwischenzeugnis) when your manager changes — useful insurance.

Last verified 2026-07-02. Practical guidance, not legal advice — for disputes with real stakes, a Mieterverein, union or lawyer is worth it.

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