Glossary

In English: Waiting period

Dismissal protection starts only after more than 6 months in the job. Before that the company needs no reason.

Legal basis

KSchG §1(1). Checked against the statute text on 12 November 2026.

Open the simulator See Wartezeit 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.