Minimum notice period in Germany?

Does anybody know the minimum notice period my company has to give me? I am on a full (no time limit) contract.

can't find anything in my contract. Will have been with the company about a year. They are saying 4 weeks notice, but that sounds a bit short to me.

It depends how long you have worked for the company. Have a look at the following link, which shows the length of employment and the appropriate notice period:

Kündigungsfristen bei Arbeitsverhältnissen

So 4 weeks is the correct time but til the end of the month or 15th.

ok thanks your replies. Might just use it as a time out from work for 6months. Maybe even learn to speak german.

make sure you sign on so that pension payment carry on too

that was my plan. I'm in a reasonably specialised job, so I shud be able to claim benefit for a while.

can i ask what you do?
might be worth asking at the arbeitsamt for german lesson, you may well get them.

I'm a Shipbroker (Dry Cargo Chartering). I'd already thought about asking for German lessons. Means I could have a break from Shipping, but it would not be a waste of time as I would add a language.

Sounds good Rosbif and also is a good thing for finding a new job in Germany (if you want to stay here that is) :$

I've no problems with staying in Hamburg. Nice city. However, if someone comes and offers me a job in somewhere like Monaco, then I could be persuaded to leave.

Make that two jobs in Monaco then Ill go with you