Fixed-term contract clarity consultation

Who this session is for

This consultation is designed for an employee in Germany who has a fixed end date, a contract tied to a defined purpose, or one or more extensions and wants a structured understanding before deciding what to do. It is especially useful when an end date is approaching, a further extension has been offered, or the sequence of signatures is unclear.

It is not a substitute for representation by a German-qualified lawyer. Where the facts suggest that a three-week period for bringing an Entfristungsklage may matter, we will recommend prompt legal advice rather than treating the consultation as enough.

What we examine

• the start and end dates shown in the original contract;
• whether the document appears to rely on a material reason (Sachgrund) or a term without one;
• the date and wording of each extension;
• whether an extension was signed before the previous term expired;
• changes to hours, remuneration or duties that may need closer legal assessment;
• relevant communications about continuation, permanent roles or termination.

Before the meeting, send the contract and amendments as PDFs. You may redact bank details, tax identifiers and unrelated personal information. We do not need your full personnel file.

What happens in the hour

We begin by building a single chronology. We then explain the questions commonly raised under the German Part-Time and Fixed-Term Employment Act (Teilzeit- und Befristungsgesetz, TzBfG) and identify which facts appear decisive. The discussion stays anchored to your documents and the decision you face.

The final part is reserved for preparation: questions to ask HR or a works council, records to preserve, and whether a specialist employment lawyer should review the matter urgently.

What you receive

Within one business day, you receive a concise written summary of the timeline and discussion. It includes the issues identified, factual gaps to resolve, and suitable next contacts. It is an orientation note, not a formal legal opinion and not a prediction of a court outcome.

Limits and timing

Sessions are available by video across Germany or in person in Berlin. Consultations take place in English while relevant German terms remain visible. We cannot contact an employer, negotiate a settlement, calculate litigation prospects, or represent you before the labour court.

If your contract has already ended or will end very soon, say so in the enquiry. Timing can materially affect available options.