„neue Herausforderung ausserhalb unseres Unternehmens anzunehmen“
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)
“...to accept a new challenge outside our company...”
What Swiss HR actually reads
The resignation was submitted correctly and on the employee's own initiative, corresponding to grade 5.0.
Hidden rating
Good (grade 5.0)
German rating: Gut (Note 5.0)
What it means in detail
This phrase indicates an orderly resignation initiated by the employee. Under art. 330a CO, employers use standardized formulations to document voluntary departures. It confirms the departure was on good terms without underlying conflict.
How to fix it
To upgrade to the top mark (grade 6.0), the phrasing could be strengthened by adding words such as "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 freeRight to a full reference letter
BGE 129 III 177
The leading Federal Supreme Court decision on the employee’s statutory right to a full (qualified) reference letter: it must address both performance and conduct.
Read the full decision (German)„Ein qualifiziertes Arbeitszeugnis (Art. 330a Abs. 1 OR) muss sich sowohl zu den Leistungen wie auch zum Verhalten des Arbeitnehmers aussprechen.“
Unofficial translation: “A qualified reference letter (Art. 330a para. 1 CO) must address both the performance and the conduct of the employee.”
Related phrases
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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 „neue Herausforderung ausserhalb unseres Unternehmens anzunehmen“