„danken ihr für die stets gute 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)
“...thank her for the consistently good cooperation...”
What Swiss HR actually reads
Confirms a consistently good and collaborative working relationship (grade 5.0 on the Swiss 1-6 scale).
Hidden rating
Good (grade 5.0)
German rating: Gut (Note 5.0)
What it means in detail
A closing sentence expressing thanks for consistently good cooperation is a standard positive component of a Swiss reference. Bound by art. 330a CO and the principle of goodwill, employers use this to signal a smooth relationship. It reflects a clear grade 5.0.
How to fix it
To upgrade to the top grade (6.0), the wording can be strengthened by substituting terms with "stets" or "jederzeit hervorragend".
Suggested wording (German, for your HR department)
Zur Aufwertung auf die Bestnote (6.0) kann die Formulierung verstärkt werden, z.B. durch Einfügen von „stets“ oder „jederzeit hervorragend“.
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
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Check your whole certificate freeRead this entry in German: Bedeutung von „danken ihr für die stets gute Zusammenarbeit“