The Certificate of Employment Request Letter is a crucial document in German employment relations, used when an employee needs to formally request their employment certificate (Arbeitszeugnis) from their current or former employer. Under German law, specifically Section 109 of the Industrial Code (Gewerbeordnung), employees have a legal right to receive such certificates, and employers are obligated to provide them. This document becomes necessary when changing jobs, applying for new positions, or maintaining employment records. The letter can request either a simple certificate containing basic employment details or a qualified certificate that includes performance evaluations and behavioral assessments. The format and content of this request letter should align with German business correspondence standards and clearly specify the type of certificate required.

1. Sender's Details: Full name, current address, and contact information of the requesting employee

2. Recipient's Details: Company name, HR department/manager name, and complete address

3. Date: Current date in German business letter format

4. Subject Line: Clear indication that this is a request for an employment certificate

5. Salutation: Formal greeting to the appropriate recipient

6. Employment Details: Brief statement of current or previous position and employment duration

7. Certificate Request: Specific request for the employment certificate, indicating whether a simple or qualified certificate is needed

8. Closing: Professional closing phrase, signature space, and typed name