German Notice Period Calculator
Find out the earliest date you can legally end your German employment contract — for the standard case, probation, an apprenticeship, or an immediate termination.
How the statutory notice period works
Most employees are covered by § 622(1) BGB: four weeks' notice, taking effect on the 15th or the last day of a calendar month — regardless of how long you've worked there. The well-known longer, tenure-based periods (up to 7 months) only apply to notice given by the employer. During an agreed probationary period, your notice period shortens to 2 weeks and can take effect on any calendar day.
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Does my notice period get longer the longer I've worked there?
No — not for employees. The statutory base period (4 weeks, effective on the 15th or month-end) stays the same regardless of tenure. The longer, tenure-based periods only apply to notice given by the employer, unless your contract explicitly says otherwise.
I'm on an apprenticeship (Ausbildung) — do the same rules apply?
No. Apprenticeships follow the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG), not § 622 BGB — different rules for probation and for resigning afterward. Select "Apprenticeship" in the calculator to get the correct result.
Can I use this for an immediate (fristlos) termination?
Yes — select "Immediate" and optionally enter when you learned of the important reason. The calculator checks the 2-week deadline under § 626(2) BGB automatically.