Contracts
Reading the quiet lines in a German Arbeitvertrag
When two offers look similar on salary, the Arbeitvertrag often decides the real ranking. In our job offer comparison consulting sessions, we start with three “quiet” zones: probation length and early exit, overtime framing, and secondary employment consent.
Probation is not just a calendar
A six-month Probezeit with short notice can be acceptable for a stretch role — or unacceptable if you are relocating a household. Score the combination of duration and notice, not the duration alone. Clients who move cities tend to underweight this until housing deposits are already paid.
Overtime language that hides cost
Phrases that fold “reasonable overtime” into the monthly salary without a ceiling change your effective hourly rate. During employment consultations in Germany we ask for any Betriebsvereinbarung references and whether Zeitkonten exist. Absence of a recording method is itself a signal.
Secondary employment
If you teach, consult lightly, or maintain a side craft, consent clauses matter. A blanket prohibition scores differently from a duty to disclose conflicts. We annotate the exact sentence in the comparison sheet so negotiation asks stay precise.
What to do next
Mark each quiet line as green, amber, or red against your personal constraints. Carry only the amber and red items into HR conversations. For a structured walkthrough, see the Offer Comparison Desk or request a Side-by-Side Brief.