Probation Period & Dismissal Protection (Probezeit)
Know when your 6-month probation period ends so you understand your rights if your job is at risk.
Configure your citizenship, housing, and job status to get a prioritized timeline.
During probation, an employer can fire you with two weeks notice and does not have to provide a legal reason. Some employers wait until the final days of month 5 to let someone go before strict statutory protections apply.
STEP-BY-STEP ACTION PROTOCOL (3 STEPS)
- 1
Mark your 6-month work anniversary on your calendar.
- 2
Check if your company has more than 10 regular employees (the threshold where the KSchG protection applies).
- 3
If you are fired after your 6-month mark without proper justification, you must file a lawsuit (Kündigungsschutzklage) within 3 weeks.
OFFICIAL PORTALS & LEGAL REFERENCES
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statutory notice period during probation in Germany?[FAQ]
Under § 622 Abs. 3 BGB, employment may be terminated by either party with two weeks notice during an agreed probation period of up to 6 months, without requiring statutory justification.
When does general statutory dismissal protection activate in Germany?[FAQ]
Under § 1 Abs. 1 KSchG, protection against socially unjustified dismissal activates after 6 uninterrupted months of employment in enterprises employing more than 10 regular employees.