Glossary

In English: Notice period

The company must give notice ahead of time. The period grows with your years of service: 1 month after 2 years, 2 after 5, 3 after 8, 4 after 10, 5 after 12, 6 after 15, 7 after 20.

Watch out: If an agreement ends your contract earlier, you lose salary and your benefit can be paused.

Legal basis

BGB §622. Checked against the statute text on 12 November 2026.

Open the simulator See Kündigungsfrist 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.