Signing In Wet Ink

With the digitization advancements, it is very common to sign contracts of any kind with an e-signature platform such as docusign. But in Germany - that’s no longer allowed!

As of August 2022, employers in Germany are required to provide employment contracts that are signed in wet ink (i.e. a pen) no later than your first day of employment. By not doing so or not offering this to an employee, they can incur a 2000 Euro fine. They’re also required to retroactively provide contracts to employees that started prior to this date, if they so wish to do so.

Why this is good for you: it’s done so that your employer is including more information that can protect you in the future.

Why it’s important: not signing in wet ink could prevent you from capitalizing on the full terms of your contract. So be mindful of the details being included.

Previous information that was required includes:

• Place of Work

• Working Hours

• Your Name

• Name of the employer and the entity - note this: particularly when working for an employer with multiple international offices

• Address of the employer

• Job description and your tasks

• Vacation Days

• Notice Period

• Any other agreements

Additional points now required as of August 2022

• Contract end date

• Remote working conditions

• Probation Period

• Rest breaks or period

• Pension entitlements

• Methods of overtime payment or bonus structure

• For Shift Work: details including the system used, patterns, how to change schedules, etc

• For on call work: details on how this will be set up

• Information on trainings that will be provided

• Termination procedure - including info on the notice period, time limit for filing a claim against the dismissal

So in conclusion: next time you get a work contract, and once it’s been reviewed by a lawyer or someone who speaks German fluently (in case you do not know German) be sure to sign it the good old fashioned way, with a pen.