Notice period in Germany (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: Notice is 4 weeks to the 15th or month end for both sides, and the employer's notice rises to 7 months after 20 years. Probation notice is 2 weeks. Severance is only a statutory claim in one case, an offer in a dismissal for operational reasons.

RuleWhat applies
Notice from the employeeNotice periodThe employee can end an open-ended contract with 4 weeks' notice, to the 15th or the end of a calendar month. A longer period may not be agreed for the employee than for the employer. [1]
Notice from the employerNotice periodThe basic notice is also 4 weeks, to the 15th or the end of a calendar month. During a probation period the notice is 2 weeks. [1]
Longer notice for long serviceNotice periodWhen the employer gives notice, the period rises with time in the business: 1 month after 2 years, 2 months after 5, 3 after 8, 4 after 10, 5 after 12, 6 after 15 and 7 months after 20 years, each to the end of a calendar month. [1]
Probation periodNotice periodA probation period can be agreed, and during it (for at most 6 months) notice is 2 weeks. The Civil Code itself sets the 6-month limit only for this shorter notice. [1]
Severance payNotice periodThere is no general right to severance. If the employer dismisses for operational reasons, states this in the notice and the employee does not sue in time, the employee is entitled to 0.5 months' pay for each year of service. [2]

Notes

  • A collective agreement can set different notice periods, and in some cases a shorter period can be agreed by contract (section 622 (4) and (5)).
  • Courts can also award compensation in dismissal protection cases and contracts or collective agreements often provide for it; this rule only covers the statutory claim in section 1a.

Sources

  1. Bundesministerium der Justiz / Bundesamt für Justiz: Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) § 622 Kündigungsfristen bei Arbeitsverhältnissen (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundesministerium der Justiz / Bundesamt für Justiz: Kündigungsschutzgesetz (KSchG) § 1a Abfindungsanspruch bei betriebsbedingter Kündigung (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.