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Your situation

Resolve a problem with your employer

Selected criteria

  1. I already live in Germany
  2. Work, career and education
  3. Resolve an issue with my employer

If a conflict arises at work, first identify what is happening: dismissal, illness, leave, a family situation, a dispute about documents or ongoing pressure. Do not decide in a rush, and gather everything you already have: a letter from the employer, contract, correspondence, calculations and company policies. Then choose the article for your situation and check which actions and documents it suggests. Pay particular attention to messages about dismissal, sick leave, vacation and family circumstances: details in these areas can change the next steps. If the issue affects your residence status, pregnancy, Elternzeit or termination conditions, it is useful to get individual advice before signing agreements or replying to your employer.

Plan overview

Find a clear course of action for a conflict with your employer: from checking the situation to documents and next steps.

What to do step by step

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

    Request or check the required document

    When employment ends, check the documents from your employer and read the reference carefully before using it further.

    Articles for this step

    Termination of an Employee by an Employer in Germany: Grounds, Deadlines, and What to Do Arbeitszeugnis in Germany: How to Read an Employer’s Performance Review
  5. 5

    Prepare the next conversation

    Prepare questions for your employer and record agreements in writing; for recurring issues, assess the work environment and contract conditions.

    Articles for this step

    Toxic Employers in Germany: How to Identify Risks Before Signing a Contract Vacation in Germany: Employee Rights, Day Calculation and Compensation Vacation Days in Germany: How Many You Get and How to Use Them
  6. 6

    Get individual help if there is risk

    If the situation involves dismissal, immigration status, pregnancy, Elternzeit or disputed conditions, seek specialist advice.

    Articles for this step

    Termination of an Employee by an Employer in Germany: Grounds, Deadlines, and What to Do Parental leave in Germany: how to arrange leave to care for a child Mutterschutz in Germany: Maternity Leave, Benefits, and Protection Against Dismissal

Important notes

  • If you receive written notice of dismissal, do not delay checking your situation and seeking advice.
  • Inform your employer that you are ill and how long you expect to be absent.
  • Elternzeit and Mutterschutz are different topics; do not confuse them when speaking with your employer.
  • If your job is linked to your residence status, check the situation before changing employers.

Common mistakes

  • Signing documents in a rush
  • Failing to report illness
  • Not checking remaining vacation
  • Treating one review as proof