What every employee needs to know
after dismissal in Germany
German employment law is complex – but navigable. Here are the essential topics every English-speaking employee needs to understand.
⚡ The First 72 Hours
Register as job-seeking (arbeitssuchend) with the Bundesagentur für Arbeit within 3 days of receiving notice. Do not sign any documents. Note your 3-week deadline for a dismissal protection claim.
⚖️ Dismissal Protection (Kündigungsschutz)
The Kündigungsschutzgesetz (KSchG) applies if you have worked for more than 6 months and your employer has more than 10 employees. It requires a valid reason for dismissal – and you can challenge it in court.
💶 Severance Pay (Abfindung)
There is no automatic right to severance. But it is commonly negotiated. Standard formula: 0.5 monthly salaries × years of service. A dismissal protection case can significantly increase your leverage.
🏛️ Unemployment Benefit (ALG I)
Arbeitslosengeld I pays approx. 60 % (67 % with children) of your average gross earnings from the last 12 months, calculated as a net amount. You need at least 12 months of social insurance contributions in the last 30 months to qualify.
⛔ Blocking Period (Sperrzeit)
If you resign or sign an Aufhebungsvertrag (mutual termination agreement) without a legitimate reason, you risk an up to 12-week blocking period with no unemployment benefit – which also permanently shortens your total ALG I entitlement (§ 148 SGB III).
📝 Aufhebungsvertrag Warning
A mutual termination agreement often benefits the employer more than you. Do not sign immediately – you have the right to take time. Always seek legal advice before signing any termination agreement.
⏱ Critical Deadlines at a Glance
Answers for
English-speaking employees
Register as job-seeking (arbeitssuchend) with the Bundesagentur für Arbeit within 3 days. Mark the 3-week deadline for a dismissal protection lawsuit. Do not sign anything without legal advice.
Yes – if the Kündigungsschutzgesetz applies (more than 6 months employment, more than 10 employees), you can file a Kündigungsschutzklage within 3 weeks. A lawyer can assess whether the dismissal was valid and what severance you may be entitled to.
An Aufhebungsvertrag is a mutual termination agreement. It ends your employment by consent – which usually triggers a Sperrzeit (blocking period) of up to 12 weeks, also permanently reducing your total ALG I duration. Always seek legal advice before signing. Never sign immediately. Get legal advice first.
Apply at the Bundesagentur für Arbeit as soon as your employment ends. You need at least 12 months of contributions in the last 30 months. ALG I pays approx. 60 % of your average gross earnings (67 % with a child), calculated as a net figure.
Not required, but strongly recommended. A Fachanwalt für Arbeitsrecht (specialist employment lawyer) can assess your case quickly. Initial consultations are often affordable. Look for one at www.anwaltauskunft.de.
📖 Available Now on Amazon.de
Gekündigt – Was jetzt?
The complete guide to dismissal in Germany – 27 chapters, in German. Even if your German is basic, the checklists, templates and tables are easy to follow. Ships directly from Amazon.de.
Get the Complete Guide
„Dismissed – What Now?" – 27 chapters covering every aspect of dismissal in Germany, written in clear English. Available as a paperback on Amazon.de.
📖 Get the Book on Amazon →