Termination letter template: Template for the termination of the employment contract for download

Termination Letter Template for Employees
Use the termination letter to officially declare your resignation to your employer. Make sure you meet certain formal requirements so that your termination is legally valid. These include providing the correct termination date, adding your handwritten signature, and choosing a proper method to deliver the letter. Below, you can find a link to download a termination letter template (PDF and Word format) specifically designed for employees.

Important details for the termination letter

• Name and address: A letter of termination must clearly state the full names and addresses of the parties involved.
• Specify the date of termination: The letter must clearly state the date on which the termination becomes valid. This includes the wording “at the earliest possible date” and a precise date. The termination periods or minimum contract terms specified in the contract must be taken into account.
• Signature: A handwritten signature by the person giving notice of termination is required for the letter of termination to be valid.
• Confirmation of receipt from the employer: It is advisable to obtain confirmation of receipt of the notice of termination from the employer in order to document this. You should already indicate in the letter of termination that the recipient should provide confirmation of the termination in writing.

Checking and calculating compliance with notice periods

Correctly determining the notice period is essential in the termination process. The termination date affects many aspects, including the application and eligibility for unemployment benefits.
The exact notice period is also important for personal planning. Employees who plan to change jobs on a specific date need to know when their obligations to their current employer end.¹

It should be noted that the termination must always be made in writing. It is best to send it by letter via registered mail.
An email, WhatsApp, or similar forms of communication are not sufficient and would render the termination invalid.

Termination of employment contract: template for a letter of termination

We have provided a template for a letter of termination of employment contract for you to download. There are a few versions available:

1) [German Version] Google Docs template letter of termination of employment contract: You have the option of copying or duplicating this template in your Google account and editing it according to your requirements.

2) [English Version] Google Docs template letter of termination of employment contract: You have the option of copying or duplicating this template in your Google account and editing it according to your requirements.

3) [German Version] Download PDF template/sample letter of termination of employment contract (in German): Simply download the PDF template of the letter of termination and adapt it to your individual case.

4) [English Version] Download PDF template/sample letter of termination of employment contract (in English): Simply download the PDF template of the letter of termination and adapt it to your individual case.

1. Section 622 German Civil Code ↩︎