Here’s the deal
- A reference letter (Arbeitszeugnis) certifies the type and duration of the job, and on request the performance and conduct too.
- Yes, you have to issue one if your helper asks for it, even for a mini-job. The basis is § 630 BGB, and for employees also § 109 of the Trade Regulation Act.
- There are two forms: the simple reference (type of work and duration only) and the qualified one (with an assessment on top). Your helper decides which she wants.
- A reference has to be benevolent and truthful at the same time; the usual phrases carry fixed meanings.
- Since 1 January 2025 the electronic form is allowed too, but only with your helper's consent and a qualified electronic signature, otherwise on paper.
"Employment reference" might sound like something for large corporations and HR departments, but it applies to a cleaner or a nanny just the same. When the job ends, your domestic helper can ask for a reference, and you are required to provide one. It is less work than it sounds once you know what needs to be included. This guide explains when the duty applies, which forms exist, and what to watch out for in the wording.
What is a reference letter?
A reference letter is a written assessment of the job provided by the employer. At its core, it certifies what work your helper performed and how long the employment lasted. Upon request, an assessment is added regarding how well they performed their duties and how they conducted themselves.
The reference serves as proof for your helper's next position. That is why it follows a fixed structure and uses its own cautious language—more on that below.
Am I required to provide my domestic helper with a reference?
Yes, if they ask for one. The right to a reference applies to every employment relationship, including mini-jobs and private households. The legal basis is § 630 BGB, which governs the duty to issue a reference for service relationships; for employees, § 109 of the Trade Regulation Act applies as well. You do not have to issue the reference on your own initiative, but as soon as your helper asks for it, you are legally obliged to do so.
Regarding the format: the standard is a signed reference on paper. Since January 1, 2025, an electronic format is also permitted, but only if your helper consents and you use a qualified electronic signature. A simple email with a PDF attachment is not sufficient for this.
Simple or qualified reference: what is the difference?
The scope. Your helper decides which of the two they would like:
- Simple reference: states only the personal details, the type of work, and the duration of the job. It contains no assessment.
- Qualified reference: additionally contains an assessment of performance and conduct. This is the standard case, as it carries more weight in job applications.
If your helper does not specify, they usually mean the qualified reference. When in doubt, just ask.
What must be included in a reference letter?
A qualified reference follows a fixed structure:
- a heading ("Employment Reference") and your helper's personal details
- the start and end dates of the employment
- a description of the tasks (for example, cleaning, laundry, childcare)
- an assessment of performance
- an assessment of conduct
- a closing statement with thanks and good wishes
- location, date, and your signature
Two principles apply to the content that may seem contradictory at first: a reference must be benevolent, meaning it should not needlessly hinder your helper's professional future, and it must be truthful. You may not invent anything, but you should phrase any criticism with restraint.
What should I watch out for in the wording?
The language of the reference. Because a reference must sound benevolent, a coded language has developed in which friendly-sounding sentences convey a clear grade. The most important formula concerns overall satisfaction:
- "always to our fullest satisfaction" means very good
- "always to our full satisfaction" means good
- "to our full satisfaction" means satisfactory
- "to our satisfaction" means adequate
The difference lies in a single word. So, make sure your wording really expresses what you mean. If you want to issue a consistently good reference, the corresponding intensifiers must be included. By the way, a reference is issued at the end of the job, often together with the notice; see the blog post Giving notice to a domestic helper.
What does quitt take care of for me?
quitt is an app-based service that handles the employment of your domestic helper for you. This includes the necessary documentation: quitt provides you with a reference letter that you simply need to adjust and sign. Registration, payroll, and insurance are handled by quitt throughout, from the first day to the end of the job.
You remain the employer at all times and decide whom you hire and what you pay. quitt handles the work behind the scenes. Besides the reference, a proper employment arrangement also involves an employment contract, a timesheet, and a key receipt. How this all fits together is shown in the blog post Hiring a domestic helper.
Found a household helper? Start the registration and quitt takes over the documents and the payroll. You can see what the service costs on the pricing page.
Documents and registration from one place
quitt provides the reference letter and the other documents and takes care of registration, payroll, and insurance. You stay the employer, we do the rest.
