„[Auslassung]: Kein Bedauern über das Ausscheiden“
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]: No regret expressed over the departure”
What Swiss HR actually reads
Omitting expressions of regret over the departure is viewed in practice as a negative signal, indicating the employer was glad to see the employee leave (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
While omitting regret signals dissatisfaction to Swiss HR readers, there is no statutory legal right to demand expressions of thanks, regret, or future wishes in a reference (BGer 4C.36/2004; BVGer A-364/2022). Employers cannot be legally forced to include these closing phrases, though they can be requested politely. Its absence nevertheless lowers the overall impression of the document.
How to fix it
The employee should politely request in writing that a standard closing statement expressing regret and thanks be added to avoid a negative impression.
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]: Kein Bedauern über das Ausscheiden ausgedrücktInsufficient (Grade 3.5)3.5
- [Auslassung]: Bedauern über das Ausscheiden fehltInsufficient (grade 3.5)3.5
- [Auslassung]: Fehlendes Bedauern über das AusscheidenInsufficient (grade 3.5)3.5
- [Auslassung]: Fehlendes Bedauern über das Ausscheiden am EndeInsufficient (Grade 3.5)3.5
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Check your whole certificate freeRead this entry in German: Bedeutung von „[Auslassung]: Kein Bedauern über das Ausscheiden“