Received a dismissal? You have only three weeks
After a dismissal, a short deadline decides everything: anyone who wants to challenge it must file a claim within three weeks. What this means for you.
A dismissal letter in your letterbox is a shock — and right now, of all times, a clock is running that many people don’t even know about. Anyone who wants to challenge a dismissal must file an unfair dismissal claim with the labour court within three weeks of receiving it (§ 4 Protection Against Dismissal Act, Kündigungsschutzgesetz). This deadline is short, and it is reopened only in rare exceptional cases.
What happens if the deadline passes?
If you fail to respond in time, the dismissal is generally treated as valid from the outset — regardless of whether it was actually justified on the merits. That is exactly why a swift review matters: it is often only on close examination that it becomes clear whether a dismissal holds up, both formally and on the merits.
How I proceed for you
- I review the dismissal immediately for formal defects and missed deadlines.
- Where there is a prospect of success, I file an unfair dismissal claim within the deadline.
- The proceedings often end in a settlement — not infrequently including severance pay.
Important on costs: before the labour court, each side bears its own legal costs at first instance, even if you win (§ 12a Labour Courts Act, Arbeitsgerichtsgesetz). Legal expenses insurance often covers the costs — I will submit the coverage request for you. More on this at Employment Law.
Don’t wait: the sooner we talk, the more room for manoeuvre remains.
This article provides general information and is no substitute for legal advice in an individual case. Last updated: 2026-07-07.
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