Sonderkündigungsschutz
In English: Special protection
Some employees are almost impossible to dismiss: during pregnancy and 4 months after birth, during parental leave, with a severe disability (the Integrationsamt must approve first), and Betriebsrat members.
Watch out: If you are pregnant, tell the company within 2 weeks of a dismissal.
Legal basis
MuSchG §17, BEEG §18, SGB IX §168, KSchG §15. Checked against the statute text on 12 November 2026.
Related terms
Open the simulator See Sonderkündigungsschutz 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.