German resignation letter generator

To quit your job, you must give a resignation letter (Kündigungsschreiben or Kündigungserklärung) to your employer. Your notice period starts when your employer receives your resignation letter.

How to quit your job

Resignation letter template

How to write a resignation letter

Use my German resignation letter generator.

Your resignation letter must be short and precise. Don’t add unnecessary information; it could be used against you.9

Your resignation letter must include:

  • Your full name and address
  • Your employer’s full name and address
  • The date of your resignation
  • The word Kündigung in the subject line
  • The correct addressee – This is usually your manager, or the human resources department.6
  • Your signature – Sign the letter by hand. A digital signature, a scanned signature, initials or a stamp are not enough.10

Your resignation letter can include:

  • Your contact information, if your employer needs to contact you later
  • Your employee number, if you have one
  • A request for a reference letter (Arbeitszeugnis)
  • A request for an Urlaubsbescheinigung
  • A note to thank your employer and your team

Your resignation letter should not include:

  • Why you quit your job5
  • What you plan to do next
  • Feedback for your employer or your team

Language of your resignation letter

Write your resignation letter in German. If you work in an English-speaking office, you can write your resignation letter in English, but German is safer.8

How to give your resignation letter

Your resignation letter must be printed and signed. An email, a fax, an instant message or a conversation is not enough.1 Your resignation is only official when your employer receives your resignation letter.11

There are 2 ways to give your resignation letter.

  • In person (recommended)7  Recommended
    Give your resignation letter to your employer in person. Bring a witness that saw the letter and can confirm that it was delivered.4 If you have a witness, you can guarantee that your employer received your resignation. If the witness has a copy, they can confirm what was in your resignation letter.
  • By post
    If you live far away, send your resignation letter by registered mail with proof of delivery (Einwurf-Einschreiben). Never use registered mail with receipt (Einschreiben mit Rückschein) because your employer can refuse the letter.3 This can delay your resignation.

Your employer does not need to confirm or accept your resignation.

Who should receive the letter

Ask your employer. You usually give the resignation letter to your manager, or to the human resources department.

What happens next

When your employer receives your resignation letter, your notice period (Kündigungsfrist) begins.

Keep a copy of your resignation letter. The Agentur für Arbeit asks for it when you apply for unemployment benefits.2

How to quit your job in Germany

Need help?

English-speaking lawyers in Berlin

Other ways to get help

Sources and footnotes
  1. §623 BGB, roberthalf.de 

  2. Interview with an unemployed person (July 2023) 

  3. Andreas Martin (August 2025) 

  4. Andreas Martin (August 2025), karrierebibel.de 

  5. spiegel.de 

  6. karrierebibel.de 

  7. roberthalf.de 

  8. Andreas Martin (August 2025), Rotwang Law (June 2023) 

  9. ArbeitNow, roberthalf.com, karrierebibel.de, peopleatventure.de 

  10. §126 Abs. 1 BGB, kanzlei-hasselbach.de, roberthalf.de 

  11. kanzlei-hasselbach.de