„[Auslassung]: Fehlende Beurteilung der Ehrlichkeit und Kassensicherheit (essenziell im Detailhandel)“
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 assessment of honesty and cash-handling integrity (essential in retail)”
What Swiss HR actually reads
Swiss HR reads this omission as eloquent silence ('beredtes Schweigen'), implying doubts about the employee's integrity or cash handling (grade 3.5 on the Swiss 1-6 scale).
Hidden rating
Insufficient (grade 3.5)
German rating: Ungenügend (Note 3.5)
What it means in detail
In retail or cash-handling roles, an explicit endorsement of integrity is essential. Omitting this key attribute leads HR readers to conclude that integrity issues were present (Verwaltungsgericht ZH VB.2019.00365). Under art. 330a CO, a full reference ('Vollzeugnis') must address essential job duties (BGE 129 III 177).
How to fix it
The employee should request a written addition addressing honesty and integrity, as eloquent silence acts as a hidden negative rating.
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 Beurteilung der Ehrlichkeit und Vertrauenswürdigkeit (Kassensicherheit)Insufficient (Grade 3.5)3.5
- [Auslassung]: Fehlende Beurteilung der Ehrlichkeit und Zuverlässigkeit (kritisch im Lagerbereich)Insufficient (grade 3.5)3.5
- [Auslassung]: Fehlende Beurteilung der Kundenzufriedenheit und Servicequalität (essenziell im Kundendienst)Insufficient (grade 3.5)3.5
- [Auslassung]: Fehlende Beurteilung der Zuverlässigkeit, Sorgfalt und Ehrlichkeit bei der BestandspflegeInsufficient (Grade 3.5)3.5
Decode your entire reference letter
Upload your Arbeitszeugnis and get your overall Swiss grade, the number of issues found and a short legal assessment – explained in English.
Check your whole certificate freeRead this entry in German: Bedeutung von „[Auslassung]: Fehlende Beurteilung der Ehrlichkeit und Kassensicherheit (essenziell im Detailhandel)“