„verlässt unser Unternehmen per 31. August 2023“
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)
“...is leaving our company as of 31 August 2023...”
What Swiss HR actually reads
An abrupt, cold closing sentence without any polite formulas, pointing to an immediate dismissal or severe breach of trust.
Hidden rating
Good (Grade 5.0)
German rating: Gut (Note 5.0)
What it means in detail
Under Swiss labor law (art. 330a CO), the principle of goodwill requires neutral phrasing, but abrupt endings serve as clear warning signals. Ending a reference without expressions of thanks, regret, or best wishes signals a abrupt departure or severe conflict right before leaving. Future Swiss employers will immediately recognise this omission as a sign of trouble.
How to fix it
To upgrade the reference to the top grade (6.0), the wording should be strengthened and supplemented with standard closing formulas.
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
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 „verlässt unser Unternehmen per 31. August 2023“