„wir danken für die geleistete Arbeit“
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)
“...we thank for the work performed...”
What Swiss HR actually reads
A mere polite formula that signals disappointing performance (grade 4 on the Swiss 1-6 scale).
Hidden rating
Sufficient
German rating: Ausreichend
What it means in detail
Without the word "good" or "very good" before work, the thanking clause loses its value. It indicates to Swiss HR that overall performance was mediocre.
How to fix it
Change to: "Wir danken ihm/ihr für die stets sehr gute Zusammenarbeit und die wertvolle Arbeit..." for a grade 5.0 or 6.0.
Suggested wording (German, for your HR department)
Ändern in: "Wir danken ihm/ihr für die stets sehr gute Zusammenarbeit und die wertvolle Arbeit..." (5.0/6.0).
Hidden criticism detected (grade 4.0)
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 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
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Check your whole certificate freeRead this entry in German: Bedeutung von „wir danken für die geleistete Arbeit“