Which notice period applies in my job?

Whether you resign yourself or are given notice, the notice period determines when the employment relationship ends. The statutory periods are staggered, and for the employer they get longer over the years.

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The basic statutory notice period is four weeks, effective on the 15th or the end of a calendar month (§ 622 BGB). During the agreed probation period (up to 6 months) it is only two weeks.

For notice by the employer, the period lengthens with the duration of employment (for example 1 month after 2 years, 2 months after 5 years, 3 months after 8 years, up to 7 months). Longer contractual or collectively agreed periods take precedence but generally may not bind you as an employee more strongly than the employer.

What you should do now

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1. Who is giving notice?
For you the basic period usually applies (4 weeks); for the employer the period lengthened by duration.
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2. Check contract / collective agreement
See whether the employment or collective agreement provides for differing (longer) periods.
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3. Calculate the period
Watch for the end date (15th / end of month) and the receipt of the notice.
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4. Have it checked if in doubt
If the period is wrong, the notice may take effect on the wrong date; have this checked.

Frequently asked questions

How long is my notice period?

The basic statutory period is four weeks, effective on the 15th or the end of the month (§ 622 BGB), and two weeks during the probation period. For the employer it lengthens with length of service (from one month after two years up to seven months). An employment or collective agreement can provide for longer periods.

Do the same periods apply to me and the employer?

The basic period is the same, but the periods lengthened by length of service under § 622 BGB apply, by the wording, to notice given by the employer. A contractual extension of your own period is possible but generally may not bind you longer than it applies to the employer.

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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.