Ordinary termination and notice in Germany

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Ordinary termination ends employment after the applicable notice period. The effective end date depends on statutory, contractual and collective rules as well as the date the notice reaches the recipient.

What needs checking

Before an employer gives notice, review the grounds where required, employee protection, works council consultation, signature authority and delivery. The works council’s consultation period is not the employee’s notice period.

Practical next steps

Prepare the timetable backwards from the proposed end date. Include time for approvals and consultation, and preserve evidence of receipt rather than relying only on the date printed on the letter.

Prepare for the review

Send the relevant contract or policy, a short chronology, the correspondence and any document showing a deadline. Explain the outcome you need and any steps already taken.

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Updated: 8 November 2026.