Kündigung

Kündigung refers to the termination of an employment contract in Germany. It can be initiated by either the employer or the employee.

In Germany, a Kündigung must be in writing with an original signature (§623 BGB). An email, verbal, or WhatsApp termination is not legally valid.

There are two types:

• Ordentliche Kündigung — Regular termination respecting the notice period
• Außerordentliche Kündigung — Extraordinary termination without notice (only for serious reasons like theft or harassment)

The standard notice period after probation is 4 weeks to the 15th or end of the month. Longer notice periods may be specified in your employment contract.