„Wir bedauern sein Ausscheiden 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
The departure represents a very great loss for the company, signifying a top grade of 6.0.
Hidden rating
Outstanding (Top grade 6.0)
German rating: Hervorragend (Bestnote 6.0)
What it means in detail
A strongly worded expression of regret in the closing section is a key indicator of high performance and value to the employer. In Swiss employment references, expressing deep regret indicates that the company genuinely tried to retain the employee. This phrasing corresponds to grade 6.0.
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 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
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Check your whole certificate freeRead this entry in German: Bedeutung von „Wir bedauern sein Ausscheiden ausserordentlich“