Employers are legally required to give you a reference letter (“Zeugnis”) when you leave, and also whenever you request one or are about to take a long leave (

Employers are legally required to give you a reference letter (“Zeugnis”) when you leave, and also whenever you request one or are about to take a long leave (“Zwischenzeugnis”) - I received one before I left for my year of maternity leave. Your prospective employers absolutely expect to see at least your most recent one, and I had a bit of fun explaining to the boss who hired me that all you’ll ever get out of an American employer is dates of employment and job title. If you work here, keep up with them as carefully as you do your employment contracts. I have colleagues who habitually request a Zwischenzeugnis every 3-5 years, even if they’re not currently looking for a new job.