Employee Stock Option Agreement Template for Germany

1. Change of Control Provisions: Special terms applying in case of company sale or merger - include if company anticipates M&A activity

2. Bad Leaver Provisions: Consequences of termination for cause - include if company wants stricter forfeiture rules

3. Good Leaver Provisions: Treatment of options upon retirement or redundancy - include for senior employees

4. International Tax Provisions: Special provisions for employees subject to multiple tax jurisdictions - include for international employees

5. Works Council Approval: Reference to works council approval if required under BetrVG - include if works council exists

6. Lock-up Period: Additional holding period requirements - include if required by company policy

7. Shareholders' Agreement Adherence: Requirement to join existing shareholders' agreement - include if applicable to all option holders

1. Schedule 1: Option Certificate: Formal certificate detailing the specific grant terms including number of shares and exercise price

2. Schedule 2: Notice of Exercise: Template form for exercising options

3. Schedule 3: Company's Articles of Association: Current articles of association referenced in the agreement

4. Schedule 4: Vesting Schedule Details: Detailed breakdown of vesting dates and quantities

5. Schedule 5: Tax Information: Summary of tax treatment and reporting requirements under German law

6. Appendix A: Shareholders' Agreement: Copy of or excerpts from the current shareholders' agreement if relevant

7. Appendix B: Stock Option Plan: Complete stock option plan rules and regulations