die  Probezeit

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈpʁoːbəˌt͡saɪ̯t/

🧐 What exactly is 'die Probezeit'?

Die Probezeit is a defined period at the beginning of a new employment relationship (Arbeitsverhältnis) during which the employer (Arbeitgeber) and employee (Arbeitnehmer) can get to know each other and check if the collaboration is a good fit. During this time, shorter notice periods (Kündigungsfristen) often apply, and general protection against dismissal (Kündigungsschutz) usually doesn't take effect yet.

Besides the employment context, Probezeit can also be used more generally for a trial period, e.g.:

• for a new subscription (e.g., streaming service) - eine kostenlose Probezeit (a free trial period)
• for novice drivers after receiving their driving license (Führerschein) - the first two years.

However, the most common and important meaning relates to German labour law (Arbeitsrecht). ⚠️ Caution: The duration and conditions of the Probezeit must be agreed upon in the employment contract (Arbeitsvertrag); a maximum of 6 months is common by law.

📝 Grammar & Declension of 'Probezeit'

The word Probezeit is a feminine noun. The article is die.

It is declined as follows:

Example Sentences

1. Die Probezeit beträgt in der Regel sechs Monate.
   (The probationary period is usually six months.)
2. Während der Probezeit kann das Arbeitsverhältnis leichter gekündigt werden.
   (During the probationary period, the employment relationship can be terminated more easily.)
3. Er hat seine Probezeit erfolgreich bestanden.
   (He successfully passed his probationary period.)
4. Fahranfänger befinden sich zwei Jahre in der Probezeit.
   (Novice drivers are in a probationary period for two years.)

🗣️ How to use 'Probezeit'?

The term Probezeit is primarily used in the context of employment relationships (Arbeitsverhältnisse). It describes the initial phase of a job, intended to determine if the new employee is suitable for the position and if the employee likes the job and the company.

• Typical Usage: In the employment contract (Arbeitsvertrag), in conversations about changing jobs, in discussions about labour law (Arbeitsrecht).
• Context: Formal (labour law, contracts), but also informal in everyday conversations about work.
• Key Aspects: Shortened notice period (verkürzte Kündigungsfrist), often 2 weeks; lack of general protection against dismissal under the German Protection Against Dismissal Act (Kündigungsschutzgesetz, KSchG) during the first 6 months of employment (regardless of a potentially shorter agreed-upon Probezeit).
• Distinction: Not to be confused with a Praktikum (internship, primarily for gaining knowledge, not for testing suitability for a permanent position) or a Befristung (fixed-term contract, where the entire employment relationship is time-limited).
• Other Contexts: Also used for driving licenses ('probationary period' for novice drivers) or trial periods for products/services ('kostenlose Probezeit' - free trial period).

💡 Mnemonics for 'Probezeit'

Article Mnemonic: Think of die Zeit (the time). Many German words ending in "-zeit" are feminine (die Arbeitszeit - working time, die Freizeit - free time, die Hochzeit - wedding...). Therefore, it's also: die Probezeit.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you have to give a Probe (sample, test, trial) of your work over a certain Zeit (time). It's the time for probing and testing – the Probezeit.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but different terms:

• Praktikum: (Internship) Aimed at learning and gaining experience, not primarily testing for a permanent role.
• Hospitation: (Job shadowing, observation) Short-term observation of a job or field, usually unpaid and brief.
• Wartezeit: (Waiting period) General term for a period before something starts or takes effect (e.g., with insurance policies).

😂 A little joke

Chef zum neuen Mitarbeiter am Ende der Probezeit: "Herzlichen Glückwunsch, Sie sind eingestellt! Ihr Gehalt beträgt ab sofort 3000 Euro."
Mitarbeiter: "Wow, super! Vorher waren es doch nur 2800?"
Chef: "Nein, vorher waren es 3000 Euro Probegehalt."

Translation:
Boss to the new employee at the end of the probationary period: "Congratulations, you're hired! Your salary is now 3000 Euros."
Employee: "Wow, great! Wasn't it only 2800 before?"
Boss: "No, before it was 3000 Euros trial salary."

📜 Poem about the Probezeit

Sechs Monate bangen,
Hoffen und Müh'n.
Passt man zusammen?
Wird die Arbeit erblüh'n?

Die Frist ist verkürzet,
Der Schutz noch nicht da.
Man gibt stets sein Bestes,
Ist dem Chef immer nah.

Doch ist sie bestanden,
Die erste Hürde geschafft.
Fest im Sattel gelandet,
Mit neuer, frischer Kraft.

Translation:
Six months of worry,
Hoping and toil.
Are we a good match?
Will the work blossom?

The notice period shortened,
Protection not yet there.
One always gives their best,
Stays close to the boss, near.

But once it is passed,
The first hurdle overcome.
Firmly in the saddle at last,
With new strength, freshly won.

🧩 Riddle

Ich bin der Start, doch nicht der Schluss,
Ein Test für Können und Genuss (an der Arbeit).
Manchmal kurz, manchmal länger,
Für Arbeitnehmer und Empfänger (des Jobs).
Mein Ende bringt oft Sicherheit,
Wie heiß ich? Denk nach, es ist nicht weit!

Translation:
I am the start, but not the end,
A test of skill and joy (at work), my friend.
Sometimes short, sometimes longer in span,
For employee and the job-receiving man (or woman).
My ending often brings security,
What's my name? Think hard, it's close, you see!

Solution: die Probezeit (the probationary period)

🌐 Other Information

Word Composition

The word "Probezeit" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Die Probe: the test, the trial, the sample, the rehearsal.
• Die Zeit: the time, the period.

So, literally: a time for testing/trial.

Legal Aspects (Germany)

• Maximum Duration: By law, a maximum of 6 months (§ 622 Abs. 3 BGB regarding the shortened notice period). A longer probationary period can be agreed upon, but the 2-week notice period only applies for a maximum of 6 months.
• Notice Period: During the agreed probationary period (max. 6 months), usually 2 weeks effective any day, unless otherwise specified in the employment contract (Arbeitsvertrag).
• Protection Against Dismissal: General protection against dismissal under the KSchG (Kündigungsschutzgesetz) only applies after 6 months of employment, regardless of the duration of the agreed Probezeit.
• Vacation: Vacation entitlement (Urlaubsanspruch) accrues pro-rata even during the probationary period.