Get an employment reference
Official name: Request or review employment certificate
A Dienstzeugnis is a paper from your employer. It says how long you worked and what kind of work you did. This plan helps you ask for it or check it.
No account · Answers stay in your browser
- Steps
- 7 key steps, up to 14 depending on your situation
- For you
- 5 short questions, then you see your steps
- Main office
- Employer / AK
- Costs
- none named in the sources
- Online
- possible for 4 of 14 steps
How it works
These are the key steps, in the right order. Answer the short questions; then you see exactly what applies to you and what is added.
Understand what a simple reference showsA simple reference shows how long and in what job you worked. A rating of your performance is not automatically part of it.Key step
- Why?
- In general, there is no right to a particularly good reference. Knowing this helps you plan better.
- What you do
- You can get help from the AK, the Arbeiterkammer. It advises employees. The app does not rate you or your reference.
- Where?
- Employer / AKDirectly with the named service
In detail
Distinguish simple certificate and performance assessment
Statutory certificate concerns duration and type of service. There is no general right to an assessed performance certificate or specific positive wording. The app grades and assesses no person or certificate wording.
SourceDienstzeugnis: Inhalt, End-/Zwischenzeugnis und Fristen
Dienstzeugnis: Inhalt, End-/Zwischenzeugnis und FristenArbeiterkammer · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceCheck which rules apply to youHere you find out which rules apply to your contract. There are separate rules for Arbeiter and Angestellte.Key step
- Why?
- Your job title alone does not say which rules apply. Your actual contract is what matters.
- What you do
- Take your contract to the AK or another advice service. They will check your case there.
- Where?
- AK / suitable adviceDirectly with the named service
In detail
Confirm actual certificate route and contract
Review worker and salaried-employee rules and actual contract appropriately. Infer no legal classification solely from job title.
SourceAngG§39 · Fassung10.10.2026
AngG§39 · Fassung10.10.2026RIS / Bundeskanzleramt · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceChoose a final or interim referenceAn Endzeugnis is given at the end of a job. A Zwischenzeugnis is given while you still work there.Key step
- Why?
- There are different routes for each. At the end, you get the reference in writing if you ask for it.
- What you do
- First check if you still work there. Then you know which reference fits.
- Where?
- Employer / AKDirectly with the named service
In detail
Clarify final or interim certificate
At end a written final certificate on request; during active employment interim certificate is separate route. Clarify actual employment stage.
SourceABGB§1163 · Fassung10.10.2026
ABGB§1163 · Fassung10.10.2026RIS / Bundeskanzleramt · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceWrite down when you worked and your tasksHere you write down for yourself when you worked. You also note which tasks you had.Key step
- Why?
- This way you can later check if your reference is right. Changes to your tasks belong in it too.
- What you do
- Have your contract or other proof at hand. Use it only for yourself to clear things up.
- Where?
- Employer / AKDirectly with the named service
What you need
- Available relevant contract or duties evidence
Document explained
Private clarification aid, no prescribed official attachment.
- Requirement
- Optional / if available
- Submission format
- Copy
- Translation
- No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
- Authentication
- No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
- Recency
- No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
SourceDienstzeugnis: Inhalt, End-/Zwischenzeugnis und Fristen
Dienstzeugnis: Inhalt, End-/Zwischenzeugnis und FristenArbeiterkammer · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original source
In detail
Organise actual period and duties privately
Privately organise employment period and duties including changes. Generate no graded desired certificate; use available relevant evidence only privately for clarification.
SourceDienstzeugnis: Inhalt, End-/Zwischenzeugnis und Fristen
Dienstzeugnis: Inhalt, End-/Zwischenzeugnis und FristenArbeiterkammer · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourcePlan how to ask in writingHere you think about how to ask your employer. Best in writing, so you can prove it.Key step
- Why?
- Proof shows that you asked. According to the AK, you do not have to give a reason.
- What you do
- Find the right contact person. Choose a written route with proof. The app sends nothing for you.
- Where?
- EmployerDirectly with the named service
In detail
Clarify personal request route and evidence
Identify relevant employer contact and evidenced written route. According to chamber request needs no justification. The app sends no request, deadline demand or litigation threat.
SourceDienstzeugnis: Inhalt, End-/Zwischenzeugnis und Fristen
Dienstzeugnis: Inhalt, End-/Zwischenzeugnis und FristenArbeiterkammer · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceGet your request readyNow you have everything for your request. It contains your time period and your kind of work.Key step
- Why?
- For an Endzeugnis, the employer pays the costs. A Zwischenzeugnis may cost something.
- What you do
- Send your request yourself with proof. Keep the confirmation safe.
- Where?
- EmployerDirectly with the named service
In detail
Keep confirmed certificate request ready for own use
Use actual period and type of duties for own evidenced request. Employer bears final-certificate issuing costs; interim certificate may cost money. Retain receipt, no message by app.
SourceDienstzeugnis: Inhalt, End-/Zwischenzeugnis und Fristen
Dienstzeugnis: Inhalt, End-/Zwischenzeugnis und FristenArbeiterkammer · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceCheck that the reference is completeNow you have your reference. Here you check if everything is in it.Key step
- Why?
- A complete reference helps you with your next job search. It is a separate paper from the final pay statement.
- What you do
- Compare the time period and tasks with your notes. Look at who issued it. Check if it is signed.
- Where?
- Employer / AKDirectly with the named service
What you need
- Privately available certificate
Document explained
Only for own review or qualified advice.
- Requirement
- Optional / if available
- Submission format
- Copy
- Translation
- No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
- Authentication
- No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
- Recency
- No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
SourceDienstzeugnis: Inhalt, End-/Zwischenzeugnis und Fristen
Dienstzeugnis: Inhalt, End-/Zwischenzeugnis und FristenArbeiterkammer · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original source
In detail
Review received certificate factually for completeness
Privately compare period, duties, issuer and signature. Employment certificate is separate matter alongside final payroll statement.
SourceDienstzeugnis: Inhalt, End-/Zwischenzeugnis und Fristen
Dienstzeugnis: Inhalt, End-/Zwischenzeugnis und FristenArbeiterkammer · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original source
Depending on your situation, this is added
- Check how far along you are
- Get advice if your contract is special
- Think of costs and the later final reference
- Check the time limits in your contract
- Wait for your employer's answer
- Get help if refused or if there are mistakes
- Get odd sentences in the reference checked
Frequently asked questions
Can I do this online?
4 of 14 possible steps mention an online channel in their text. Requirements are in the official source.
What does it cost?
No costs are recorded for these steps in the linked sources. Fees may still apply.
Do I need an einfach.wien account?
No. The plan works without registration; answers stay in your browser.
Does einfach.wien submit my application?
No. einfach.wien helps you prepare and links official channels. You submit applications yourself to the responsible service.
What this page is based on
The information is based on official sources. einfach.wien is a private project; the content has not been professionally reviewed. All information without guarantee, no legal advice. The responsible office is always authoritative.
SourceDienstzeugnis: Inhalt, End-/Zwischenzeugnis und Fristen
Arbeiterkammer · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceSourceABGB§1163 · Fassung10.10.2026
RIS / Bundeskanzleramt · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceSourceAngG§39 · Fassung10.10.2026
RIS / Bundeskanzleramt · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original source