In recent years, Germany has become a second home for hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who fled the war, saving themselves and their families. Many of them, integrating into the new society, found a job that became not only a source of financial stability, but also a point of support in a difficult period — with its daily rituals, new contacts, plans for the future. However, even in the most stable countries, not all employed people can avoid dismissal. And when this happens, especially in a foreign language and legal system, the sense of loss goes much deeper than just losing a source of income. However, there are support mechanisms in Germany – and it is awareness and decisive action in the first days after dismissal that can be the basis for a new phase of professional life.
Discuss the terms of the release and do not rush to sign the documents
After the notification of dismissal, the main thing is not to act impulsively. In Germany, any termination of an employment contract must comply with the law. Once you’ve been notified of your layoff, don’t rush to sign any documents until you know exactly what you’re being offered. In Germany, dismissal must be carried out exclusively in accordance with legal procedures.
Notice of dismissal must be given in advance, in accordance with the terms of the employment contract or general law. Usually, the notice period is from 2 weeks to 3 months.
In some cases, the employer may offer to sign a so-called Aufhebungsvertrag — an agreement on the termination of employment relations by agreement of the parties. It can be profitable if additional conditions are agreed: compensation, flexible date of leaving work, positive characteristics, etc. But this agreement is not a formality. Its signing may affect the subsequent right to unemployment benefits.
If you are offered an Aufhebungsvertrag, it should be seen as a negotiating tool. You can insist on compensation, insist on keeping a positive entry in the letter of recommendation, etc. The average level of compensation in Germany is about 0.5 salary for each year of work.
If you are in doubt about what to sign, be sure to consult a lawyer or the Gewerkschaft (trade union) if you are a member.
Important: You only have 3 weeks to file a lawsuit (Kündigungsschutzklage) if you believe the dismissal was unjustified. If this deadline is missed, the right to appeal is lost.
Take all important documents
After dismissal, the employer is obliged to give you key documents. They must be requested immediately after the end of the employment relationship. Without them, it will be impossible to apply for unemployment benefits or to find a new job.
List of mandatory documents:
- Arbeitsbescheinigung — official confirmation of the fact of work. Necessary for registration of assistance at the Agentur für Arbeit.
- Urlaubsbescheinigung — certificate of used or unused vacation. Affects the final calculation.
- Arbeitszeugnis — description-recommendation from the workplace. It has a formalized look and is very important for the next job. Negative wording, even in a veiled form, can be harmful.
Register at Agentur für Arbeit
This is a key step to take right away. Failure to provide timely notice of termination may result in reduced or delayed benefits.
You must report job search (status arbeitssuchend) no later than 3 days after receiving the notice of dismissal.
If you know of an impending layoff in advance—for example, under a contract or as a result of notice—you must notify the agency 3 months before the date of termination.
After the actual dismissal, you must appear in person and register as unemployed (status arbeitslos).
Registration can be started online on the website arbeitsagentur.de.
Please note: If you are being paid a significant severance payment, this may result in ALG I payments being delayed or reduced.
Who and what can get: ALG I and Bürgergeld
ALG I is an insurance benefit for those who have had formal employment.
Requirements:
- official work for at least 12 months during the last 30;
- social insurance contributions paid;
- timely registration at the Agentur für Arbeit.
Amount of payments:
- 60% of the average net salary;
- 67% if you have a child.
Duration of payments: from 6 to 12 months, depending on age and insurance experience.
Bürgergeld (formerly ALG II) is a basic social benefit awarded by the Jobcenter. It can be obtained by:
- those to whom ALG I is not available;
- those who have expired ALG I.
It includes:
- financial support for life;
- housing payment;
- mandatory health insurance;
- access to retraining courses.
Important: receiving Bürgergeld can complicate or delay the naturalization process if you plan to apply for citizenship.
Notify the Ausländerbehörde if you are on a work visa or have a Blue Card
If you are in Germany on the basis of a work visa or Blue Card, you must notify the Ausländerbehörde in writing within 2 weeks of leaving.
The letter requires:
- explain what happened (date of dismissal, reason);
- attach a copy of the release document;
- briefly describe your future plans (job search, participation in programs, etc.).
In most cases, the migration service allows 3 to 12 months to find a new job. If you were given only a short period, it can be extended if you can prove that you are actively searching for and participating in employment programs.
Education, retraining, employment support
Agentur für Arbeit provides a wide range of free opportunities for those who have lost their jobs and are registered as unemployed. This includes:
- professional courses and retraining (Umschulung);
- language programs;
- financial support for starting a business (Gründungszuschuss);
- individual employment consultations.
All programs are free, subject to official registration in the system.
So, losing a job in Germany is a difficult ordeal, but not a dead end. The country’s legal system offers protection and support if you act decisively and in time. The main thing is not to stand aside, not to passively wait, but to act. Every day after dismissal is important: it is timely registration, processing of documents, appeals to institutions and readiness for changes that help not just to survive this situation, but to get out of it with new opportunities.
