„stets 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)
“...always exemplary...”
What Swiss HR actually reads
This indicates outstanding conduct towards all hierarchical levels, corresponding to a top grade of 6.0 on the Swiss scale.
Hidden rating
Excellent (top grade 6.0)
German rating: Hervorragend (Bestnote 6.0)
What it means in detail
The combination of the absolute adverb 'stets' (always) and the superlative adjective 'vorbildlich' (exemplary) represents the highest praise in a Swiss reference ('Arbeitszeugnis'). Under art. 330a CO, this signals complete satisfaction with the employee's interpersonal behaviour without any hidden reservations.
How to fix it
No adjustment is necessary. This is an exceptionally positive phrasing.
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
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 vorbildlich“