The Letter of Service From Employer (Arbeitszeugnis) is a fundamental document in German employment law, required to be issued upon the conclusion of any employment relationship. It serves as an official employment reference that combines factual information about the employment period with qualitative assessments of performance and conduct. Under German legislation, employees have a legal right to receive this document, and employers are obligated to provide it in a format that adheres to specific legal requirements and established conventions. The document must be written in a way that is both truthful and benevolent (principle of Wahrheit und Wohlwollen), using standardized phrases that have developed specific meanings through legal practice and court decisions. This document is essential for an employee's professional development and future job applications in the German job market, where it is consistently requested as part of the application process.

1. Header Information: Company letterhead, date, and title 'Letter of Service' (Arbeitszeugnis)

2. Personal Information: Employee's full name, date of birth (optional), and job title

3. Employment Duration: Precise start and end dates of employment

4. Job Description: Detailed description of the employee's role, responsibilities, and areas of work

5. Performance Assessment: Evaluation of work quality, knowledge, capabilities, and achievement of objectives using standard German reference letter phrases

6. Behavioral Assessment: Description of the employee's conduct towards supervisors, colleagues, and clients/customers

7. Reason for Departure: Statement about why the employment relationship ended (typically mentioned in a neutral way)

8. Closing Formula: Standard closing including future wishes and gratitude for service