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Emergency

No written employment contract? You still have rights

You started the job but never got a written employment contract? No cause for concern: an employment relationship also arises validly by verbal agreement. And the employer is obliged to give you the essential working conditions in writing.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

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Your chances of getting your money back

Even without a written contract, a valid employment relationship exists, with all rights (pay, vacation, protection against dismissal). A missing written contract does not harm you.
Under the Verification Act (Nachweisgesetz), the employer must hand you the essential contract terms (activity, working hours, pay, vacation, notice periods and others) in writing, within a set deadline after the start.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Demand the written record

    Ask the employer to hand you the essential working conditions in writing (Verification Act).

  2. 2

    2. Keep your own records

    Note working hours, tasks and agreements and secure evidence (emails, duty rosters, pay slips).

  3. 3

    3. Secure your pay claims

    Is the pay correct (minimum wage, agreed hours)? Assert any differences in writing.

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    4. In a dispute

    In case of doubt, a union or advice center can help; in a dispute the labor court has jurisdiction.

Frequently asked questions

Is my employment relationship valid without a written contract?

Yes. An employment contract can also arise validly verbally or through actual employment. You have the same rights (pay, vacation, continued pay, protection against dismissal) as with a written contract.

Must the employer give me something in writing?

Yes. Under the Verification Act, it must hand you the essential working conditions (among others, activity, start, working hours, pay, vacation, notice periods) in writing, within a set deadline after the start of work. You can expressly demand this record.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.