„stets zur vollsten Zufriedenheit“
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 to our fullest satisfaction...”
What Swiss HR actually reads
This represents grade 6 (the absolute top grade) on the Swiss 1–6 scale.
Hidden rating
Excellent (very good)
German rating: Hervorragend (Sehr gut)
What it means in detail
This phrase certifies consistently outstanding performance without any reservations. HR professionals view this as a clear signal of above-average dedication and top-quality work. It is the best possible rating in a Swiss reference.
How to fix it
No correction is needed as this is already the top-tier formulation.
Suggested wording (German, for your HR department)
Keine Korrektur notwendig. Dies ist bereits die bestmögliche 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
- stets zu unserer vollsten ZufriedenheitOutstanding (Top grade 6.0)6.0
- jederzeit zu unserer vollsten ZufriedenheitOutstanding (Top grade 6.0)6.0
- stets zu unserer ZufriedenheitSufficient (Grade 4.0)4.0
- stets zu unserer vollsten Zufriedenheit erfüllt und unsere Erwartungen oft übertroffenExcellent (top grade 6.0)6.0
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 zur vollsten Zufriedenheit“