{
  "id": 16559357,
  "title": "Job-related questions: Starting a new job without an employment contract - is that possible?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/fragen-aus-dem-arbeitsrecht-den-neuen-job-ohne-arbeitsvertrag",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-26T04:00:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/fragen-aus-dem-arbeitsrecht-den-neuen-job-ohne-arbeitsvertrag-beginnen-geht-das/100264861.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "An oral employment contract can be effective, according to labour law expert Jakob T. Lange, even without a written agreement. However, he advises putting essential contract conditions in writing and signing them to avoid potential disputes. German law requires this under the Nachweisgesetz, but Lange describes it as ineffective, as non-compliance only results in a fine. If an oral contract has been made but not yet written down, employees must start work as agreed, or they will not be paid for the missed days.",
  "summary": "Employed in the new job, but there is no written employment contract or it is pending? Do I still have to show up on the agreed-upon first day of work? This applies.",
  "key_points": [
    "Starting a job without written contract is legally possible.",
    "Verbal agreement can form effective employment contract.",
    "Employers must provide work even without signed contract."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}