Question 138 · Federal question
What can I do in Germany if my employer has unfairly dismissed me?
German original (as asked in the real test)
Was kann ich in Deutschland machen, wenn mir meine Arbeitgeberin/mein Arbeitgeber zu Unrecht gekündigt hat?
- A weiterarbeiten und freundlich zur Chefin/zum Chef sein
- B ein Mahnverfahren gegen die Arbeitgeberin/den Arbeitgeber führen
- C Kündigungsschutzklage erheben ✓ Correct answer
- D die Arbeitgeberin/den Arbeitgeber bei der Polizei anzeigen
Translation
What can I do in Germany if my employer has unfairly dismissed me?
- A continue working and be friendly to the boss
- B initiate a warning procedure against the employer
- C file a wrongful dismissal lawsuit ✓ Correct answer
- D report the employer to the police
Explanation
In Germany, if you believe a dismissal is unjustified, you can file a dismissal protection lawsuit (Kündigungsschutzklage) at the labor court (Arbeitsgericht). This must generally be done within three weeks of receiving the written termination. Other options listed either address different legal issues (e.g., payment claims) or are not appropriate legal remedies for employment termination.
Tips
- Look for keywords like labor court, dismissal protection, and legal action against termination; these indicate the correct legal remedy.
- Remember the three-week deadline after receiving the written termination—answers hinting at immediate formal court action are more plausible.
- Eliminate choices involving criminal complaints or general debt collection procedures, as these do not address employment termination disputes.
- Be cautious of informal or non-legal suggestions (e.g., being nice or continuing to work) when the question concerns legal redress.
Practice in the app
