Glossary

In English: Small company

In a company with 10 or fewer employees the general dismissal protection does not apply. The company needs no reason. Special protection, the notice period and the written form still apply.

Watch out: The 3-week deadline to sue runs here too.

Legal basis

KSchG §23. Checked against the statute text on 12 November 2026.

Open the simulator See Kleinbetrieb 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.