„jederzeit vorbildlich“
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)
“...exemplary at all times...”
What Swiss HR actually reads
An outstanding evaluation of conduct towards all hierarchical levels, corresponding to grade 6.0 on the Swiss 1-6 scale.
Hidden rating
Outstanding (Top grade 6.0)
German rating: Hervorragend (Bestnote 6.0)
What it means in detail
In Swiss references (art. 330a CO), behavioral evaluations must cover interactions with superiors, colleagues, and external contacts. Using "jederzeit vorbildlich" confirms impeccable professional conduct across all these groups without reservation. Swiss HR considers this the best possible rating for workplace behavior.
How to fix it
No adjustment required. This is an extraordinarily positive 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 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
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Check your whole certificate freeRead this entry in German: Bedeutung von „jederzeit vorbildlich“