Termination Letter – free & workplace-ready

Under German law, ending an employment contract requires a clear written notice. A termination letter template (German: Kuendigungsschreiben) helps you include sender, recipient, termination date, type of termination, and notice period as required by Sections 622 and 623 of the German Civil Code (BGB).

Common types of termination in Germany:

• Ordinary termination by the employee: Ends the contract on the agreed date respecting the notice period (probation: often 2 weeks; after probation: 4 weeks to the 15th or month end under statutory rules).
• Ordinary termination by the employer: Longer notice periods apply, staggered by length of service.
• Extraordinary (immediate) termination: Only with an important reason; the reason must be stated.
• Termination during probation: Up to 6 months’ probation—typically 2 weeks’ notice, any day.
• Fixed-term contracts: Usually end on the agreed date; ordinary termination may be excluded.

The Ordio template is an Excel workbook with a notice-period helper. Export to PDF, print, sign by hand, and deliver as required—email alone is not valid under Section 623 BGB. After leaving, you may need an employment certificate for benefits. Archive copies in employee files if you act for an employer.

Under German law, the termination must be unmistakable. The standard wording is: "I hereby terminate the employment contract between us in due form with effect on [date]." Vague phrases such as "I intend to resign" are not effective.

Structure:

• Sender: Your name, cover letter, employee number if applicable
• Recipient: Employer company, HR contact, full cover letter
• Date: Date of the letter (not necessarily the termination date)
• Subject: e.g. "Termination of my employment contract"
• Salutation: Dear [name]
• Termination sentence: Clear declaration with end date
• Notice period: State the period you are observing
• Optional: Request written receipt; request an employment reference
• Closing: Kind regards, handwritten signature

For extraordinary termination, state the reason. If unsure, consult an employment lawyer—this template is not legal advice. Example for probation: "I hereby terminate the employment contract, observing the two-week notice period during probation, with effect on [date]." See our employment reference template for reference wording after you leave.

Under German law, notice periods for employment contracts are set out in Section 622 BGB. The period starts when the employer receives the letter—not the date printed on it.

Employee notice (statutory minimum):

• Probation (up to 6 months): 2 weeks, any day
• After probation: 4 weeks to the 15th or the end of the month

Employer notice (staggered by service):

Collective agreements or your contract may set longer periods—check your contract first. The Ordio workbook includes a notice-period sheet.

When does employment end?

"4 weeks to month end" means the end of the calendar month following receipt. Fixed-term contracts usually end automatically—verify your contract before sending ordinary notice.

Under German law, Section 623 BGB requires written form: a handwritten signature on paper. Termination by email, instant message, or ordinary fax is ineffective unless a qualified electronic signature is used as permitted.

• Written document with personal signature
• Receipt by the employer must be provable
• Email without proper signature is not valid

The Protection Against Dismissal Act (KSchG) applies to larger employers when they terminate staff—they need a social justification. Employees terminating voluntarily do not need to state a reason for ordinary notice.

Where a works council exists, the employer must consult it before dismissing—this does not change what you write as an employee resigning. This template does not replace legal advice for dismissal protection, extraordinary termination, or special contract terms.

Related templates: employment reference and employment certificate.