Hidden code:"war stets mit Interesse bei der Sache"
Category: Hidden Codes
Meaning
Downgrading phrasing. 'Interest' instead of 'success' or 'results' suggests the person appeared engaged but produced no measurable outcomes.
Hidden Meaning
Showed interest but delivered no results.
Switzerland vs. Germany
This phrase is rated grade 4 (unsatisfactory) in Switzerland, and grade 5 (poor) in Germany. In Switzerland, this phrase is rated better than in Germany.
Background: In Switzerland, "good" is the norm qualification (Labour Court Zurich), while in Germany, "satisfactory" (grade 3) is the statistical average (BAG 18.11.2014, 9 AZR 584/13).
Variants
- "zeigte Interesse an seiner Tätigkeit"
Sources
- zeugnisfairness.de
- Haufe Zeugnissprache
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 does "war stets mit Interesse bei der Sache" mean in a work reference? +
Downgrading phrasing. 'Interest' instead of 'success' or 'results' suggests the person appeared engaged but produced no measurable outcomes. Hidden Meaning: Showed interest but delivered no results.
What grade does "war stets mit Interesse bei der Sache" correspond to in Switzerland? +
In Switzerland, this phrase corresponds to grade 4 (unsatisfactory). In Germany, it corresponds to grade 5 (poor).
What does "zeigte Interesse an seiner Tätigkeit" mean in a work reference? +
Downgrading phrasing. 'Interest' instead of 'success' or 'results' suggests the person appeared engaged but produced no measurable outcomes. Hidden Meaning: Showed interest but delivered no results.