Check your Swiss work reference for free
Paste your reference to review common grades, wording, omissions, and possible warning signals on Swiss and German scales. No signup required.
What the free check covers
The decoder compares the full text with common reference-letter patterns, then highlights performance wording, behavior, closing language, and elements that may deserve a closer look. Results are an orientation, not a legal assessment.
Check your reference nowYour data was processed only locally in your browser. Nothing was stored or transmitted.
Next: check your salary
See how your pay compares with official Swiss salary data for your role and region.
Check a salaryHow the decoder works
Enter reference
Upload PDF or paste text. Everything stays in your browser.
Get analysis
Overall grade, section ratings, and hidden codes - with source citations.
Take action
Understand your reference and find matching jobs in Switzerland.
Why our decoder is different
Rule-based, not AI-guessed
Every rating is based on a curated database of court rulings, chamber of commerce guides, and HR literature - not a black box.
Swiss and German scales
Grade 3 means something different in Switzerland than in Germany. We show both scales and explain the difference.
Privacy by architecture
Your reference is processed only in your browser. No upload, no storage, no server processing.
Detects missing elements
What is missing can matter as much as what is written. The decoder highlights expected sections and wording that it could not identify.
Swiss employment-reference context
Swiss guidance says a full work reference should clearly cover duties, performance, and behavior, and that ambiguous coded messages are not permitted. The decoder explains common interpretations but cannot determine whether a specific reference is legally valid.
Read SECO's official work-reference FAQFrequently Asked Questions
What is the Zeugniscode?
Zeugniscode is an informal term for wording that readers may interpret as a graded or indirect assessment. Swiss guidance says ambiguous coded messages are not permitted, so every phrase should be read in context rather than treated as a definitive secret code.
Is my data stored?
No. Your reference is processed exclusively in your browser. No data is sent to a server, nothing is stored. You can verify this in your browser's developer tools - no network requests are made with your text.
What is the difference between the Swiss and German grade?
In Germany, grade 3 ("satisfactory") is the statistical norm - the average. In Switzerland, "good" is the norm qualification. The same phrase can therefore mean a worse rating in Switzerland than in Germany. We show both scales so you understand the context.
Can I have my reference corrected?
Yes. In Switzerland, under Art. 330a CO and Art. 127 CO, you have ten years to claim a correct work reference. If our decoder identifies issues, we recommend consulting a specialist employment lawyer.
View all reference phrases and codes:
Go to the glossary of reference phrasesDisclaimer: This interpretation is based on common HR practice, chamber of commerce guides, and published court rulings. It does not constitute legal advice. For a binding assessment of your work reference, please consult a specialist employment lawyer.