Severance after 37 years of service in Germany
After 37 years of continuous service, the German severance rule of thumb sits between 18.5 and 55.5 gross monthly salaries. The notice period your employer must observe: 7 months to the end of the calendar month (§ 622 (2) 7 BGB).
With 37 years of continuous service, the German half-month rule (§ 1a KSchG / standard settlement formula) sets the baseline at 18.5 gross monthly salaries — that is, 0.5 × your monthly salary × 37. In a strong case (formal errors in the dismissal letter, special protection, flawed social selection) the factor can reach 1.0×–1.5× per year, lifting the figure to 55.5 monthly salaries. Your employer must observe a notice period of 7 months to the end of the calendar month (§ 622 (2) 7 BGB).
Written and reviewed by Fatih Bektas, German employment-law specialist (APOS Legal Heidelberg).
Severance at common salary brackets (37 years)
| Gross monthly salary | Baseline (0.5×) | Strong case (1.0×) | Top end (1.5×) |
|---|---|---|---|
| €2,500 | €46,250 | €92,500 | €138,750 |
| €3,500 | €64,750 | €129,500 | €194,250 |
| €5,000 | €92,500 | €185,000 | €277,500 |
| €7,500 | €138,750 | €277,500 | €416,250 |
These are illustrative numbers based on the standard half-month rule. Your real settlement depends on flaws in the dismissal, social selection, special protection, and bargaining posture.
What matters at 37 years of service
- 3-week filing deadline (§ 4 KSchG) applies regardless of tenure. Send the letter to a specialist immediately.
- KSchG protection applies once you have been employed more than 6 months — which you are. The employer must show conduct, person or operational grounds.
- Notice period: 7 months to the end of the calendar month (§ 622 (2) 7 BGB). A dismissal with the wrong notice is invalid for the period claimed.
- Settlement leverage at 37 years of service is strong — factors of 1.0× and above are routinely achievable.
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