Letter guide
Termination from your employer (Kündigung): what to do now
A Kündigung is the written termination of your employment contract. It must be on paper with a handwritten signature — an email or WhatsApp message is not a valid termination.
Deadline
To challenge the termination in court (Kündigungsschutzklage) you must file within three weeks of receiving it — afterwards it usually counts as valid.
Who sends it
Your employer (or their lawyer).
What to look for
- The date you received it and the date the job ends.
- Whether it is ordinary (ordentlich, with notice) or without notice (fristlos).
- A handwritten signature from someone allowed to terminate.
- Information about remaining holiday, final pay and your reference (Arbeitszeugnis).
What you usually need to do
- Register as looking for work (arbeitsuchend) with the Agentur für Arbeit: at least 3 months before the job ends, or within 3 days of learning about it if the notice is shorter — otherwise benefits can be blocked for a while.
- Write down the date and how you received the letter.
- Ask for your reference (Arbeitszeugnis) and check your final pay.
- If you think the termination is unfair, get advice quickly.
Where to get help
Trade unions (for members), lawyers for employment law (Fachanwalt für Arbeitsrecht) and the labour court’s legal application office (Rechtsantragstelle) can help.
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Try Clartly for freeGeneral information, not legal advice. Every letter is different — always check yours and get professional advice in a dispute. Last reviewed: 2026-10.