Probezeit in Germany: 10 questions about your trial period

For a normal job, at most six months (§ 622 Abs. 3 BGB). It only exists if your contract says so. In an Ausbildung the Probezeit is different: at least one month and at most four months.

Two weeks, for both sides, and it can start on any day — not only at the end of a month. If your contract has no Probezeit, the basic legal notice period of four weeks applies instead. In an Ausbildung, both sides can end it during the Probezeit without any notice period and without a reason.

Usually no. The Kündigungsschutzgesetz only protects you after six months in the job, and only in firms with more than ten employees. Special protection still applies — for example during pregnancy or for severely disabled people.

Yes. Being sick does not protect you from a Kündigung in the Probezeit. Still, always report sick on the first day and send your sick note (AU) on time, so the employer has no extra reason to complain.

Your employer only has to continue your pay after the job has lasted four weeks without a break (§ 3 Abs. 3 EFZG). If you are sick before that, call your Krankenkasse — they may pay Krankengeld instead.

You earn one twelfth of your yearly holidays for each full month you work. The full holiday right starts after six months. Your boss can say no to dates for business reasons, so ask early and in writing.

No. A Kündigung must be on paper with a handwritten signature (§ 623 BGB). Electronic form is excluded. This is true for you and for your employer. A WhatsApp message alone does not end the job.

Not beyond six months by law. Some employers offer a longer test by other means, for example a new agreement — but only with your consent. Read anything you are asked to sign at home first.

The Probezeit must be in proportion to the length of the contract and the type of work (§ 15 TzBfG). Six months of probation on a six-month contract can be a problem. Ask an advice service if this is your case.

Register as job-seeking (arbeitsuchend) with the Agentur für Arbeit within three days of getting the letter — online or by phone. If you want to fight the Kündigung in court, the deadline is three weeks from receiving it. If you quit yourself, the Arbeitsagentur can block your unemployment money for up to 12 weeks (Sperrzeit).