The interim reference letter is a special form of the employer reference (Arbeitszeugnis) issued while the employment relationship is still ongoing. Classic triggers are a change of manager, restructuring, the start of parental leave or preparation for an upcoming application. It allows performance to be documented before people or organisations change.
In content, the interim reference follows the same rules as the final reference: description of duties, assessment of performance and conduct in the well-known German "reference language". Truthfulness and benevolence both apply. Future employers read interim references closely – noticeable shifts in tone between an interim and a later final reference can hint at unresolved conflict.
A direct legal entitlement exists only in certain situations, for example when the manager changes or when an internal posting is opened. Many collective and works-council agreements extend the right considerably. In TVöD environments, regular performance reviews often substitute for interim references.
Before a move via Lunigi, requesting an up-to-date interim reference is worthwhile – it strengthens the later application considerably.