Was soll ich tun, wenn ich mit meinem Arbeitszeugnis unzufrieden bin?
What should I do if I am unhappy with my reference?
In any case, first talk to your line manager about the content of your reference and discuss with him or her which points you dislike in detail. In most cases, there is no malicious intent behind incomplete or inadequate references, but rather a lack of time and ignorance on the part of the person writing them. For this reason, an honest discussion is the first step that can often remedy these shortcomings. If your line manager is not prepared to change the reference, you can submit a written objection and then take legal action to obtain the reference. Your line manager may also ask you to submit a counter-proposal, which will give you the opportunity to write and adapt the reference in line with your own ideas. Ultimately, however, it is up to the employer to decide which adjustments they actually want to make and to what extent they want to accept them or not. If you are unsure, you can also seek professional help and support and ask an appropriate specialist for advice.