Reading Probezeit and on-call clauses in clinic contracts

A plain-language look at probation, Bereitschaftsdienst, and transfer language that often surprises clinicians new to German employment contracts.

Fountain pen resting on a signed paper document

An Arbeitsvertrag from a Klinik can look generous on base pay while shifting risk into probation length, on-call definitions, and internal transfer rules.

Probezeit length

Six months is common. Watch for language that restarts probation after a departmental move. That detail matters if you are hired into a training rotation.

Bereitschaftsdienst vs. active overtime

Clarify whether presence in the hospital counts as active work for pay purposes. Ask how weekend duties are rostered in the first quarter — verbal assurances rarely appear in the written rota annex.

Relocation and housing lines

If housing support is offered, check the end date and whether rent is deducted from salary. Candidates relocating with family should confirm notice periods for tied flats.

We annotate drafts as part of Clinic Interview & Contract Readiness. We are not a law firm; complex disputes still belong with an employment solicitor.