When you start a new job in Germany, you are in your probation period (Probezeit). This guide explains what it means.
What is the probation period?
When you start working for a company, you have a 6 month probation period1. Some employers have shorter probation periods, or no probation period at all.
During your probation, it's easier to lose your job. Your employer can fire you without any reason, with a 2 week notice period1, 2. Many people find the probation period stressful, because they are afraid of losing their job.
During your probation
Vacations
You can take vacations during your probation period1. In the first 6 months after you start a new job, your vacation days are prorated1: you unlock 1/12 of your vacation days every month1, 2. After 6 months, you unlock all of your vacation days.
For example, if you have 24 vacation days per year, and you have been working for 3 months, you can use 6 vacation days. After 4 months, you can use 8 vacation days. After 6 months, you can use all 24 vacation days.
You should avoid taking long vacations during your probation period. It's not illegal, but some people think that it looks bad1.
Sick leave
You can take as many sick days as you need during your probation period1.
In the first month of your probation period, get a sick note on the first day that you are sick1, 2. The rules are different during your first month: you only get sick pay after you send a sick note to your health insurance.
Pregnancy
Your employer can't fire you during your pregnancy, and 4 months after you give birth1. This is true even if you are in your probation period.
Quitting your job
During your probation period, it's easier to quit your job. Your notice period is only 2 weeks.
Other things you should know
It's harder to get a loan or find an apartment during your probation period, because you can easily lose your job1, 2. Landlords want tenants that have a stable job. Banks won't give you money if you don't have a stable income.
After your probation
After your probation period, it's harder to get
fired. It's also harder to quit your job. For most people, the end of the probation period is a big relief.
If your employer fires you, they must give you a 4 week notice. If you want to quit your job, you must also give a 4 week notice. The longer you work at a company, the longer the notice period1. After 5 years with a company, the notice period is 2 months. After 8 years, it's 3 months.
Some companies have longer notice periods in their contracts1. 3 month notice periods are common, and some have a 6 month notice period1. Your notice period (when you quit) can't be longer than the notice period of your employer (when they fire you)1.
Vacations
After your probation is over, you can use all your vacation days for the year1, 2.