How to read a German Arbeitszeugnis

A reference must be truthful and worded with goodwill. Negative assessments are not categorically forbidden: goodwill operates within the limits of truth. There is no automatic entitlement to a good or very good rating. The Federal Labour Court explains these principles in 9 AZR 584/13, paragraphs 9 and 19.

Under § 109 GewO, a reference must be clear and understandable; wording intended to convey a hidden message is prohibited. A qualified reference covers performance and behaviour as well as the nature and duration of your work.

These phrases commonly appear within a sentence assessing your work. Grade 1 is the highest rating in this scale.

The logic combines strength of praise + consistency. “Vollen” strengthens the praise; “stets” adds consistency over time. “Vollsten” takes the praise up another step. German reference language is rather enthusiastic about satisfaction.

These are common conventions, not a universal decoder. Variations exist, and an isolated phrase cannot explain the whole document. See the IHK Schleswig-Holstein guide to reference assessments and the Federal Labour Court’s explanation of the satisfaction scale, paragraphs 10–13.

Read responsibilities, performance and behaviour together. Does the description capture what you actually did and your level of responsibility? Do the performance statements fit the work described? What does the document say about collaboration with managers, colleagues and, where relevant, customers?

Check whether the overall assessment fits those details. If something seems inconsistent, ask about it. Speculative “secret code” lists are more likely to create anxiety than clarity; a missing adjective is not a reliable diagnosis of your career.

1. Ask for clarification. Identify the exact sentence and ask what assessment it is intended to convey.
2. Request a correction where appropriate. Explain the factual error or mismatch and provide relevant evidence, such as agreed responsibilities, reviews or documented results. Keep a copy of your request.
3. Seek qualified advice if needed. A trade union or lawyer specialising in German employment law can assess your situation and any applicable deadlines. A request does not guarantee a particular replacement phrase or grade.

A reference reflects one employer’s perspective on a particular period. Leadership, working conditions and role fit can influence performance. That context deserves attention alongside the assessment.

Perhaps you were a penguin in the desert. Struggling with the sand does not tell us much about your swimming. The right environment may reveal strengths that this role did not. Take useful feedback seriously, and use it to identify the conditions in which you can do your best work.