„bedauern diesen Schritt ausserordentlich und danken ihr für die stets exzellente Zusammenarbeit“
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)
“...regret this step extraordinarily and thank her for the always excellent cooperation...”
What Swiss HR actually reads
This reflects the highest degree of regret and gratitude upon losing a top performer, representing grade 6.0.
Hidden rating
Excellent (top grade 6.0)
German rating: Hervorragend (Bestnote 6.0)
What it means in detail
Closing sentences carry immense weight in Swiss references. Expressing extraordinary regret alongside thanks for excellent cooperation indicates that the company deeply valued the employee. It confirms a highly successful employment relationship.
How to fix it
No adjustments required as this represents a top-tier formulation.
Suggested wording (German, for your HR department)
Keine Anpassung erforderlich. Dies ist eine überdurchschnittlich positive Formulierung.
One good phrase ≠ a good certificate
Swiss employers often hide weaknesses elsewhere – in the conduct section, in the closing statement or through omissions (“telling silence”). Check whether the rest of your letter keeps up.
Check your whole certificate freeClosing statement: a signal, not a legal right
BVGer A-364/2022 vom 17. August 2023, E. 7.3
A missing or curt closing statement is often read as a negative signal in practice. Legally, however, there is no enforceable right to thanks, regret or good wishes – their use is at the employer’s discretion (likewise Federal Supreme Court 4C.36/2004 of 8 April 2004, E. 5). You can ask for an addition, but you cannot sue for it.
Read the full decision (German)„Nach der Rechtsprechung besteht kein durchsetzbarer Anspruch der angestellten Person auf bestimmte Dankesworte, Zukunftswünsche oder Bedauernsbekundungen über den Austritt.“
Unofficial translation: “According to case law, the employee has no enforceable right to particular words of thanks, good wishes for the future or expressions of regret about their departure.”
Related phrases
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 „bedauern diesen Schritt ausserordentlich und danken ihr für die stets exzellente Zusammenarbeit“