In general, the conclusion of a fixed-term employment contract is permissible if it is justified by a material reason (section 14(1) of the German Act on Part-time and Temporary Work (Teilzeit– und Befristungsgesetz – TzBfG)). Term limitations without a material reason are only permitted for a maximum period of two years (section 14(2)1 of the TzBfG). However, the conclusion of a fixed-term employment contract without material reason is prohibited if the individual concerned had previously been employed on a fixed-term or permanent basis by the same employer (section 14(2)2 of the TzBfG).
In its prior case law (from 2011 onwards) the German Federal Labour Court (Bundesarbeitsgericht) interpreted section 14(2)2 of the TzBfG to mean that a new fixed-term contract without material reason would only be prohibited under section 14(2)2 of the TzBfG if the employee had been employed within the last three years prior to the intended fixed term.Continue Reading 22 years is long enough – German Federal Labour Court rules that fixed-term employment contracts without material reason are permissible