Aufhebungsvertrag
In English: Termination agreement
You and the company end the contract by signing together. Nobody is dismissed, so dismissal protection does not apply.
Watch out: Signing can block your unemployment benefit for 12 weeks. A signed agreement is very hard to undo.
Legal basis
BGB §623, SGB III §159. Checked against the statute text on 12 November 2026.
Related terms
Open the simulator See Aufhebungsvertrag in action: work through a layoff case where it decides the outcome.
This page explains German employment law in general terms. It is not legal advice for your situation. If a layoff affects you, talk to an employment lawyer, your union or your Betriebsrat.