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The Employee Leaving Certificate (Arbeitszeugnis) is a fundamental document in German employment relationships, mandated by §109 of the German Trade Regulation Act (Gewerbeordnung) and §630 of the German Civil Code (BGB). It must be issued when an employment relationship ends, regardless of the reason for termination or the employee's position. The document serves as an official employment reference for future employers, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the employee's performance, skills, and conduct. It follows strict formatting and language conventions developed through decades of legal practice and court decisions. The certificate must balance truthfulness with benevolence, using standardized phrases that have acquired specific meanings in German business practice. Employers are legally obligated to provide this document, and employees have the right to request modifications if they believe the assessment is unfair or inaccurate.

1. Company Letterhead: Official company letterhead including full company name, address, and other contact details

2. Title: Clear identification as 'Arbeitszeugnis' (Employment Certificate) or 'Qualifiziertes Arbeitszeugnis' (Qualified Employment Certificate)

3. Personal Information: Employee's full name, date of birth (optional), and job title

4. Employment Duration: Precise start and end dates of employment

5. Job Description: Detailed description of the employee's role, responsibilities, and areas of work

6. Performance Assessment: Evaluation of the employee's performance, including quality of work, knowledge, capabilities, and work style

7. Conduct Assessment: Assessment of the employee's behavior towards superiors, colleagues, and if applicable, clients/customers

8. Termination Statement: Statement about the reason for termination (if mutually agreed) and standard closing formula

9. Date and Signature: Location, date, company representative's signature with name and position