Resignation Letter Generator for Germany (Kündigungsschreiben)

Resignation Letter Generator for Germany (Kündigungsschreiben)

Last updated: 2026-01-18
Table of Content

How to quit your job in Germany

Quitting your job in Germany requires a formal resignation letter (Kündigungsschreiben). Your resignation is only valid when your employer receives this letter in writing.

Key points

  • Check your notice period in your employment contract (usually 1-3 months)
  • Print and sign the letter, then hand-deliver or send by registered mail
  • Register as job seeker at Agentur für Arbeit within 3 days
  • If you have a residence permit, notify your local Ausländerbehörde within 2 weeks

Use the form below to create your resignation letter. It updates automatically as you type.

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Resignation Letter Generator

Your information

German is recommended for German employers
This is the date your employment ends. Leave empty to use "earliest possible date".
This will appear before the closing signature

Preview

Note: This generator creates a standard resignation letter. For legally binding advice about your specific situation, consult an employment lawyer (Anwalt für Arbeitsrecht).

Detailed information

Quick summary (for people who don’t want to read)

  • Your notice period (Kündigungsfrist) starts when your employer receives your resignation letter (Kündigungsschreiben).
  • If you might need unemployment benefits (Arbeitslosengeld I / ALG I), register with the Agentur für Arbeit early.
  • Ask for your documents: Arbeitszeugnis, Arbeitsbescheinigung, Urlaubsbescheinigung, final payslip (Gehaltsabrechnung/Lohnabrechnung), Lohnsteuerbescheinigung.
  • If you have a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel), inform your local Ausländerbehörde.

Notice periods explained

Your notice period is specified in your contract (employment contract / Arbeitsvertrag). If nothing is specified, German law provides default notice periods.

The notice period starts when your employer receives your resignation letter (not when you write it).

Example: If your notice period is 3 months to the end of the month and you hand in your resignation on January 15, your last day is April 30. Your letter should say: "... zum 30.04.2026, hilfsweise zum nächstmöglichen Termin."

During your notice period:

  • You usually continue working and getting paid.
  • Your employer can sometimes place you on garden leave (Freistellung).
  • Unused vacation is often taken during the notice period.

Vacation days during notice period

Vacation (Urlaub) is often handled like this:

  • You usually take remaining vacation days during your notice period.
  • Your employer can require you to use them.
  • If you cannot use all vacation days, unused days are typically paid out.

Health insurance when unemployed

  • If you get unemployment benefits (Arbeitslosengeld I / ALG I), the Agentur für Arbeit usually pays your health insurance contributions.
  • If you do not qualify for unemployment benefits, you may need to pay health insurance yourself.

Unemployment benefits

This is the high-level idea (details depend on your situation):

  • Eligibility: you usually need 12 months of insured work in the last 30 months.
  • Amount: often 60% of your average net salary (67% if you have children).
  • Duration: depends on your work history and age.

Important: If you quit voluntarily without a valid reason, you can get a waiting period (Sperrzeit) and lose benefits for a time. In some cases, a documented medical reason can matter.

Severance pay

Unlike being fired or laid off, quitting usually means no severance pay (Abfindung).

Severance is more common if the employer wants to end the relationship (for example via a termination agreement / Aufhebungsvertrag).

Checklist

  • [ ] Check your notice period in your contract
  • [ ] Write resignation letter using the generator above
  • [ ] Print, sign, and deliver the letter (hand-deliver or registered mail)
  • [ ] Register as job seeker at Agentur für Arbeit (within 3 days)
  • [ ] If you have a residence permit, notify your local Ausländerbehörde (within 2 weeks)
  • [ ] Request Arbeitszeugnis (work reference) from employer
  • [ ] Request Arbeitsbescheinigung (employment certificate) for unemployment benefits
  • [ ] Request Urlaubsbescheinigung (vacation certificate) if relevant
  • [ ] Contact health insurance about coverage after your last day
  • [ ] Take remaining vacation days during notice period
  • [ ] Get final payslip and tax statement

Frequently asked questions

Can I resign by email?

Legally, resignations in Germany usually require written form with signature. Email resignation may not be valid unless your contract explicitly allows it. Always use a signed paper letter for safety.

Can my employer refuse my resignation?

No. Your employer cannot refuse your resignation. Once you resign following the proper notice period, the employment relationship will end.

What if my employer asks me to leave earlier?

Your employer might offer to end the employment earlier (sometimes with extra pay). You can agree or refuse - it's your choice. Get any agreement in writing.

Can I withdraw my resignation?

Once your employer receives and acknowledges your resignation, you generally cannot withdraw it unless your employer agrees. Think carefully before resigning.

Further resources