Free · Instant result · § 4 KSchG deadline countdownMay your
Free · Instant result · § 4 KSchG deadline countdown

May your termination be valid?

Check in 3 minutes whether your dismissal may violate the KSchG — free, anonymous, with real-time deadline countdown.

The German Dismissal Protection Act (KSchG) protects employees from unfair termination. This free checker evaluates whether your dismissal may be challengeable under § 1 KSchG and § 4 KSchG — with real-time deadline tracking.

Important: The filing deadline is only 3 weeks from the date of receipt of the termination notice (§ 4 KSchG).

§ 4 KSchG
3-week filing deadline
10+
Employees required for KSchG
6 mo.
Minimum employment period
100%
Free check

How it works

4 steps to legal clarity

1

Answer questions

9 targeted questions about your dismissal — one at a time, in under 3 minutes.

2

Instant result

Green, yellow or red: we clearly indicate whether your dismissal may appear valid.

3

Deadline countdown

The 3-week filing deadline is displayed in days and hours.

4

Next steps

For a potentially invalid dismissal: results with all relevant information and options.

What we check

Comprehensive review of all relevant KSchG requirements

Real-time deadline countdown

The 3-week filing deadline (§ 4 KSchG) runs from the date the notice is received. We show you exactly how much time remains.

Special dismissal protection

Pregnant employees, those on parental leave, severely disabled persons and works council members are under special protection.

Social selection check

For operational dismissals, the employer must carry out a proper social selection process (§ 1 para. 3 KSchG).

Procedural errors

Was the works council not consulted? This may render the dismissal invalid (§ 102 BetrVG).

Detailed analysis

For a potentially invalid dismissal, you receive a detailed analysis of your options.

No data stored

Your information is not stored, not shared, not sold.

Next step: Negotiate severance pay

Dismissal checked? Now calculate your fair severance pay range, assess your negotiation position and optimise tax treatment with the Fünftelregelung (§ 34 EStG).

Legal basis

Last updated: April 2025
Official sources
  • § 1 KSchG — Protection against dismissal
  • § 4 KSchG — Filing deadline
  • § 23 KSchG — Applicability threshold

This information was compiled based on current German legislation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the German Employment Protection Act (KSchG)?

The KSchG protects employees against socially unjustified dismissals. It applies in companies with more than 10 employees if the employment relationship has lasted longer than 6 months. A dismissal must be justified by one of three statutory grounds: operational, behavioural or personal.

What is the 3-week deadline under § 4 KSchG?

If an employee wishes to challenge the validity of a dismissal, they must file a claim with the Employment Tribunal (Arbeitsgericht) within 3 weeks of receiving the notice. If the deadline is missed, the dismissal is deemed valid — regardless of any actual defects.

Who has special dismissal protection?

The following groups may have special dismissal protection: pregnant employees (§ 17 MuSchG), employees on parental leave (§ 18 BEEG), severely disabled persons (§ 168 SGB IX) and works council members (§ 15 KSchG). For these groups, a dismissal may require special authorisation or may simply be unlawful.

What is social selection (Sozialauswahl)?

For operational dismissals, the employer must select among comparable employees based on a social selection process (§ 1 para. 3 KSchG). Criteria include length of service, age, maintenance obligations and severe disability. If the selection appears flawed, the dismissal may be considered socially unjustified.

What does the check cost?

The check is completely free. For complex cases, we recommend a specialist employment lawyer.

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