Fixed term without objective reason for more than two years – allowed?

Likely invalid

Likely invalid — such a clause does not bind you.

A fixed-term contract without a substantive reason is permitted only up to two years (§ 14 (2) TzBfG); beyond that, only with a substantive reason. The fixed-term clause must also be agreed in writing before the work starts (§ 14 (4) TzBfG). A violation converts the contract into an indefinite-term employment relationship.

What you can do next

Bei einer unwirksamen Befristung gilt das Arbeitsverhältnis als unbefristet. Klage auf Feststellung der Unwirksamkeit binnen drei Wochen nach dem vereinbarten Ende beim Arbeitsgericht (Entfristungsklage, § 17 TzBfG).

The law behind it

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General information based on German law and court decisions, checked by lawyers — not legal advice for your individual case.