„Wir danken ihr für die geleistete Arbeit und wünschen ihr viel Erfolg“
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 thank her for the work performed and wish her... much success...”
What Swiss HR actually reads
Although performance was good, the absence of an expression of regret ('Wir bedauern...') signals that the company is not sorry to see the employee leave (grade 5.0 on the Swiss 1-6 scale).
Hidden rating
Good (Grade 5.0)
German rating: Gut (Note 5.0)
What it means in detail
While thanking the employee and wishing success indicates good performance, Swiss HR pays close attention to the missing phrase "we regret her departure" ("wir bedauern..."). Under art. 330a CO standards, omitting regret subtlely qualifies an otherwise positive reference, showing the exit was welcomed by the employer.
How to fix it
To raise the reference to an top-tier grade (6.0), the employee should ask to insert stronger language such as "stets" or an expression of regret.
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 „Wir danken ihr für die geleistete Arbeit und wünschen ihr viel Erfolg“