The concept of "probationary period" is very common when hiring in Germany, but it is not enshrined in law. This means that the company can assign a "probationary period" to a potential candidate for the position, and can even immediately sign an employment contract with a candidate you like, bypassing the "probationary period".
The "probationary period" is set for a period of 3 to 6 months and may not exceed this period, after which the employment relationship can be terminated on both sides without much difficulty. But there are some subtleties about the "probationary period" in German companies that you should be aware of:
- If you want to resign during the probationary period, the time you have to work at the company after applying for resignation is 2 weeks.
- If you become pregnant during the "probationary period", your employer has no right to dismiss you, either during or after the probationary period.
- If you want to take a vacation during the "probationary period", this is also possible, but only after you have spent a month at the company. Because for every month you work, you are entitled to one twelfth of your annual leave. If you are applying for a long vacation, you will be able to get it only after the "probationary period". If you are released or you are released before the end of your "probationary period", you are entitled to unused leave in cash.
- If you fall ill during the "probationary period", then if you have worked at the company for more than a month, you can take sick leave and your salary will be paid in full.
- If you are not notified of your dismissal after the "probationary period", it means that you have been hired on a permanent basis.