Can I be dismissed during the probation period (Probezeit), and what should I watch out for?

Probation period: The probation period (Probezeit) in an employment contract can be at most 6 months. During this time both you and your employer can end the contract with 2 weeks' notice, without giving a reason.

General protection: The Protection Against Dismissal Act (Kündigungsschutzgesetz) only applies after 6 months of employment and in companies with more than 10 employees. Even so, your employer cannot dismiss you for discriminatory or arbitrary reasons.

Special protection also applies during probation: If you are pregnant, within four months after giving birth, or have announced parental leave (Elternzeit), you cannot be dismissed. If you tell your employer you are pregnant within 2 weeks of receiving a dismissal letter, the protection applies.

Form of dismissal: A dismissal must be on paper with a handwritten signature; an email or WhatsApp message is not valid. If you want to challenge it, you must file a claim at the labour court within three weeks.

Your rights during probation: You are entitled to your salary, (pro rata) annual leave and sick leave. Your employer pays your salary during illness once you have worked there for 4 weeks; before that, your health insurance pays sick pay (Krankengeld).

If you are dismissed: Register as a jobseeker with the Arbeitsagentur straight away. If your residence permit depends on your job, also inform the immigration office (LEA); we have separate questions on this.