Probezeit in Germany: 10 questions about the probation period

At most six months (§ 622 Abs. 3 BGB). Shorter is allowed — three months is common. There is no minimum. Look in your Arbeitsvertrag, the length is written there. In an Ausbildung the rules are different: the Probezeit must be between one and four months (§ 20 BBiG).

Two weeks, for both sides (§ 622 Abs. 3 BGB). It does not have to end on the 15th or at the end of the month. The job ends exactly two weeks after the notice. Still, read your contract carefully.

No. In the Probezeit both sides can end the contract without giving a reason. The Kündigungsschutzgesetz only protects you after six months in the company (§ 1 KSchG). A dismissal is still not allowed if it is discriminatory — for example because of your religion or origin.

Yes. A sick note does not protect you from a Probezeit dismissal. Also important: in a new job, your employer pays you during illness only after you have worked there for four weeks. Before that, you usually get Krankengeld from your Krankenkasse. Always send your sick note on time.

Yes, but less. For each full month you earn one twelfth of your yearly holiday. With 24 days a year, that is 2 days per month. The full yearly holiday is yours after six months. Many employers allow a few days earlier — just ask in good time.

Only if the total stays at or under six months, and only if you agree. A 3-month Probezeit can become up to 6 months. Your employer cannot decide this alone, and it cannot go beyond six months.

No. In Germany a Kündigung of a job must be on paper with a handwritten signature (§ 623 BGB). WhatsApp, SMS, email and fax are not enough — also not in the Probezeit. This also applies when you resign. Keep the letter and write down the date you got it.

Yes. A Kündigung with the short two-week notice is still possible on the last day of the Probezeit. So the first six months are not “safe” until they are fully over.

Pregnant women have special protection against dismissal, also in the Probezeit — but the employer must know about the pregnancy. You do not have to tell them in the job interview. If you get a Kündigung and are pregnant, tell your employer quickly and get advice right away, because the deadlines are short.

Register as job-seeking (arbeitsuchend) with the Agentur für Arbeit within three days after you learn the job will end. If you register late, you can get a one-week Sperrzeit, so no benefit for that week. You can register online. Then check if you have a right to Arbeitslosengeld, and ask for a written work reference (Arbeitszeugnis).