Arbeitszeugnis: how to read the hidden grade code

Your right to a reference

On termination of employment you are entitled to a written reference (§ 109 GewO). A simple reference confirms role and duration, a qualified one also evaluates performance and conduct. Always request the qualified reference — it matters in job applications.

The grade code

• “stets zur vollsten Zufriedenheit” — very good,
• “stets zur vollen Zufriedenheit” — good,
• “zur vollen Zufriedenheit” — satisfactory (already a warning sign!),
• “zur Zufriedenheit” — sufficient,
• “im Großen und Ganzen zufriedenstellend” — poor.

What else to look for

What is missing also speaks (thanks and good wishes), as do the order of duties and seemingly harmless phrases (“war stets bemüht” — was always trying — hints at lack of success). Undergraded or coded references can be corrected — through the labour court if needed.

How we proceed

We analyse the wording, draft the corrections and enforce them. Reference content is most effectively negotiated together with the severance — in dismissal proceedings or in a termination agreement.

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