During probation, employer and employee get to know each other. It lasts at most 6 months.
The essentials
- During probation, notice of usually 2 weeks applies – for both sides.
- Holiday builds up during probation: one twelfth for each full month.
- Your employer pays during sickness once the job has lasted 4 weeks. Before that, the health insurance fund usually pays sickness benefit.
- The Dismissal Protection Act usually applies only after 6 months and in companies with more than 10 employees.
Myth: “During probation I have no rights.”
Fact: Employment rules apply during probation too, for example minimum wage, holiday and health and safety.
Then the normal notice periods from law, contract or collective agreement apply. There is no separate "taking on" – the job simply continues unless it is fixed-term.
MeaNext explains general rules about work in Germany. This information does not replace individual legal advice. In a specific case, your employment contract, collective agreement, works agreement and personal circumstances can be decisive.
Last expert review: 09/10/2026
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