The Reference Confirmation Letter (Arbeitszeugnis) is a crucial document in German employment law, serving as an official record of employment and performance evaluation. Required by German legislation, particularly §109 of the Trade Regulation Act (Gewerbeordnung) and §630 of the German Civil Code (BGB), employers must provide this document upon employment termination. It can be either a simple reference letter (einfaches Zeugnis) containing basic employment details, or a qualified reference letter (qualifiziertes Zeugnis) including performance and conduct assessments. The document uses standardized phrases and must be written positively while remaining truthful. It plays a significant role in future employment opportunities and is often scrutinized by potential employers within the German job market.

1. Letterhead and Date: Company letterhead with full contact details and current date

2. Title: Clear identification as 'Reference Letter' (Arbeitszeugnis)

3. Personal Information: Employee's full name, date of birth, and position held

4. Duration of Employment: Precise start and end dates of employment relationship

5. Job Description: Detailed description of main responsibilities and tasks

6. Performance Assessment: Evaluation of work quality, knowledge, abilities, and performance using standard German reference letter phrases

7. Conduct Assessment: Evaluation of behavior towards superiors, colleagues, and clients/customers

8. Reason for Departure: Brief statement of departure reason (typically mentioned that employee is leaving at own request)

9. Closing Formula: Standard closing with good wishes for the future

10. Signature Block: Date, place, company representative's signature with name and position