„[Auslassung]: Fehlende Bedauernsformel am Ende des Zeugnisses“
What this German phrase in your Swiss Arbeitszeugnis (employment reference letter) really says about you – and which grade it hides.
Literal translation vs. real meaning
Literal translation (what DeepL tells you)
“[Omission]: Missing statement of regret at the end of the reference”
What Swiss HR actually reads
The absence of a closing statement of regret is often read in practice as a negative signal, reflecting a grade of 3.5.
Hidden rating
Insufficient (Grade 3.5)
German rating: Ungenügend (Note 3.5)
What it means in detail
While omitting regret signals dissatisfaction, Swiss court rulings establish that employees have no legal right to expressions of thanks, regret, or future wishes (BGer 4C.36/2004; BVGer A-364/2022). Consequently, HR readers will notice the missing sentiment, but the employer cannot be legally forced to add it. It remains a point that can be requested politely but not litigated.
How to fix it
The employee should politely request the addition of a closing regret formula, although there is no legal entitlement to enforce it.
Suggested wording (German, for your HR department)
Der Arbeitnehmer sollte schriftlich die Ergänzung der fehlenden Zeugnispassage verlangen, da beredtes Schweigen eine versteckte Abwertung darstellt.
Hidden criticism detected (grade 3.5)
Under Art. 330a of the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR), a reference letter must be true but benevolent. Coded downgrades rarely come alone – the same letter often contains further codes or omissions.
Check your whole certificate freeTelling silence & social conduct
Verwaltungsgericht ZH VB.2019.00365 vom 9. Mai 2020, E. 2.4
The Administrative Court of the Canton of Zurich describes the practice of “telling silence” (beredtes Schweigen): if a quality that would normally be mentioned is left out, the reader concludes that it is missing. Leaving out one group of people when describing conduct (e.g. superiors) is generally read as a hint at negative behaviour.
Read the full decision (German)„Darunter gehört, wenn etwa bei der Verhaltensbeurteilung nur das Verhalten zu Mitarbeitern und Kunden erwähnt wird, nicht aber jenes zu Vorgesetzten.“
Unofficial translation: “This includes, for example, a conduct assessment that mentions behaviour towards co-workers and customers, but not towards superiors.”
Related phrases
- [Auslassung]: Fehlende Bedauernsformel am EndeInsufficient (grade 3.5)3.5
- [Auslassung]: Fehlende Zukunftswünsche am Ende des ZeugnissesInsufficient (grade 3.5)3.5
- [Auslassung]: Fehlende BedauernsformelInsufficient (Grade 3.5)3.5
- [Auslassung]: Fehlende Bedauerns- und Dankesformel am EndeInsufficient (Grade 3.5)3.5
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Check your whole certificate freeRead this entry in German: Bedeutung von „[Auslassung]: Fehlende Bedauernsformel am Ende des Zeugnisses“