contract-law employment germany
Employer did not accept resignation in Germany
<p>I'm currently working for a company in Germany and the notice period is two weeks. I sent my resignation via E-mail.</p>

<p>They told me after 3 days that they did not accept it because I need to send it via writing in a letter through the post and that it needs to be signed!</p>

<p>How should I proceed and should I hire a lawyer?</p>

<p>This is actually required by german Law. Specifically <a href="http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__623.html" rel="noreferrer">§ 623 BGB</a> says:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Die Beendigung von Arbeitsverhältnissen durch Kündigung oder Auflösungsvertrag bedürfen zu ihrer Wirksamkeit der Schriftform; die elektronische Form ist ausgeschlossen.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Translation by me:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Resignations and ending-contracts to end an employment are only valid in written form; an electronic form is not possible.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>The definition of the written form is in <a href="http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__126.html" rel="noreferrer">§ 126 BGB</a>. It basically says, that either a signature is needed or a notary has to vouch for it.</p>

<p>So if you are actually employed under german law you have to send them a signed letter. How that letter arrives at the employer is not specified. I would imagine most resignation letters to be personally handed in.</p>
