Module 02’s annotated befristeter Vertrag mirrored the letter I had from a Dresden employer. I still needed a lawyer for the non-compete, which Lena flagged early—that honesty mattered more than a tidy ending.
German Employment Foundations
Six weeks to read German employment paperwork with fewer translators and clearer next steps.
Learning outcomes
- Annotate a sample Arbeitsvertrag for duration, overtime, and Nebenbeschäftigung risks
- Explain Probezeit notice rules in your own words before a review meeting
- Decode the major lines of a Gehaltsabrechnung and know which mismatches to escalate
- Draft a calm email when Arbeitszeit or leave practice diverges from the written deal
- Recognize when a matter needs a Fachanwalt rather than an educational clinic
Informational pricing
Included in Pathway Studio at €340, or as a standalone cohort seat at €290 when clinics are not required. No checkout on this site—request a seat and we confirm dates by email. See all pathway fees.
This program teaches orientation skills. It does not file claims or negotiate with your employer on your behalf.
Modules
Each block mixes reading, annotated samples, and a live clinic prompt.
- 01
Arrival map
How German employment conversations differ from common-law habits, plus a glossary you will actually reuse.
- 02
Contract anatomy
Befristung, written form, secondary employment, confidentiality, and garden-variety red flags.
- 03
Probezeit realities
Notice calendars, feedback culture, and documentation habits that help even when nothing goes wrong.
- 04
Time, leave, and pay
Arbeitszeitgesetz basics, vacation accrual myths, and a pay-slip walkthrough with retail and office variants.
- 05
Voice at work
When to involve HR, a mentor, or the Betriebsrat—and how representation changes the room.
- 06
Exit literacy
Early dismissal signals, thresholds for Kündigungsschutz, and a personal “escalate to counsel” checklist.
Lena Hartmann
Lena spent a decade in people operations for logistics and research employers before designing newcomer curricula. She teaches in English, marks where her experience stops, and invites guest Betriebsrat speakers twice per cohort.
Pay-slip week was dense. The clinic recording saved me when my first Abrechnung looked nothing like the sample.
FAQ
Do I need fluent German?
No. Materials are in English with German terms introduced gradually. You should be willing to read short German clauses with our glosses.
Is this legal representation?
No. Foundations is educational. If your facts suggest litigation risk, we pause and recommend licensed counsel.
What is a real limitation of this program?
We cannot cover every Tarifvertrag. Sector-specific collective agreements may override examples we teach. Learners in heavily tarifgebunden workplaces should bring their agreement text to clinic—otherwise advice stays generic.
How much weekly time should I plan?
About three hours of reading and exercises, plus one ninety-minute live clinic in most weeks.