„stets deutlich übertroffen“
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)
“...always significantly exceeded...”
What Swiss HR actually reads
Outstanding, well above-average achievement of goals, representing 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
This formulation highlights exemplary performance that consistently exceeded expectations. In a Swiss Arbeitszeugnis, it represents the highest mark achievable. It gives future employers a clear, unreservedly positive signal.
How to fix it
No correction is needed as this is an exceptionally positive evaluation.
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 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
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 „stets deutlich übertroffen“