Can an employer refuse my Kündigung (my resignation or wish to terminate the contract)?

No, an employer is not legally entitled to refuse a Kündigung submitted by you, as long as it meets the legal requirements.
Once the employer receives your resignation in writing and within the statutory notice period (Kündigungsfrist), the contract is considered terminated on the specified date, whether they agree or not.

What should you do if the employer refuses your Kündigung?

Make sure your Kündigung is correct:

It must be in writing (a paper letter bearing your handwritten signature, not an e-mail and not a verbal statement).

It should include a clear date for your last working day or the phrase “zum nächstmöglichen Termin” (on the next possible date according to the notice period).

It should be delivered in person (with written confirmation of receipt) or sent by registered mail with return receipt (Einschreiben mit Rückschein).

Keep evidence:

Keep a copy of your Kündigung and the confirmation of receipt from the company or the postal receipt.

If they refuse to accept it, send it by registered mail or deliver it in the presence of a witness.

After delivery, the employer’s approval no longer matters:

A Kündigung by the employee is a unilateral legal act and does not require the employer’s consent or signature.

The employer cannot “refuse” your resignation or prevent you from ending the contract if you comply with the requirements (form and notice period).

If pressure or threats continue:

Document all correspondence and conversations.

You can inform the works council (Betriebsrat), a trade union (Gewerkschaft) or consult an employment lawyer if you are subjected to pressure or sanctions.

In rare cases, you may turn to the labour court (Arbeitsgericht) to have the termination of the employment relationship confirmed.

Sample wording you can use in reply:

Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,

hiermit weise ich darauf hin, dass meine Kündigung vom [Datum] gemäß § 622 BGB und meines Arbeitsvertrages wirksam ist. Eine Zustimmung Ihrerseits ist hierfür nicht erforderlich.

Bitte bestätigen Sie mir schriftlich das Beendigungsdatum meines Arbeitsverhältnisses.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen

[Your Name]

Conclusion:

An employee’s Kündigung is a legal right which the employer cannot refuse if it is carried out correctly.

Do not hesitate to terminate your employment within the applicable notice period, and keep all evidence.

If you are subjected to pressure or delaying tactics, seek help from a trade union or an employment lawyer.

The team of writers and editors of the website strives to provide accurate information by conducting thorough research and consulting multiple sources when preparing articles. However, errors may occur or some information may not be fully verified. Therefore, please treat the information contained in the articles as an initial point of reference only, and always consult the competent authorities or professional bodies for confirmed and binding information.