„Wir bedauern ihren Austritt ausserordentlich“
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)
“...we extraordinarily regret his departure...”
What Swiss HR actually reads
A very strong closing formula expressing a genuine loss for the company, corresponding to 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
The closing section of a Swiss reference (art. 330a CO) reflects the employer's true sentiment under the principle of goodwill. Expressing extraordinary regret over an employee's departure shows that they were highly valued and missed. Swiss HR views this as a hallmark of an outstanding overall reference.
How to fix it
To upgrade to the top grade (6.0), the wording can be strengthened, for example by inserting "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 freeClosing statement: a signal, not a legal right
BVGer A-364/2022 vom 17. August 2023, E. 7.3
A missing or curt closing statement is often read as a negative signal in practice. Legally, however, there is no enforceable right to thanks, regret or good wishes – their use is at the employer’s discretion (likewise Federal Supreme Court 4C.36/2004 of 8 April 2004, E. 5). You can ask for an addition, but you cannot sue for it.
Read the full decision (German)„Nach der Rechtsprechung besteht kein durchsetzbarer Anspruch der angestellten Person auf bestimmte Dankesworte, Zukunftswünsche oder Bedauernsbekundungen über den Austritt.“
Unofficial translation: “According to case law, the employee has no enforceable right to particular words of thanks, good wishes for the future or expressions of regret about their departure.”
Related phrases
Decode your entire reference letter
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Check your whole certificate freeRead this entry in German: Bedeutung von „Wir bedauern ihren Austritt ausserordentlich“