How to Successfully Pass the Probation Period in Germany– Q&A

In Germany, the probation period is usually six months. Some companies might have a three-month probation period, but from what I know, six months is the standard. After all, it’s a mutual selection process for long-term cooperation, and six months should be enough to reveal all the challenges and potential red flags 🚩

This week, I had lunch with a colleague from Iran who is still in her probation period. As we talked, she shared some struggles she’s facing, which reminded me of former colleagues who left during probation and those who decided to stay even before their probation period ended.

Today, I want to share my thoughts in a Q&A format, hoping to help you navigate your probation period successfully.

⚠️ Due to the word limit, I’m splitting this into two posts. This post focuses on the first three questions.

1️⃣ I feel so much pressure at work. I need to prove myself in a short time, and I’m not even sure if I’ll pass. It’s mentally exhausting.

🌟 Since you received the offer, the company has already recognized your ability to handle the role. So, trust yourself, manage your time and tasks well, don’t be afraid to ask for help or feedback, and maintain a positive mindset. Remember, this is a mutual selection process—you should have confidence in yourself!

🌟 I don’t recommend pushing yourself to perform at 120% or more during the probation period. If you do, not only will others develop high expectations of you, but you’ll also end up exhausting yourself. It’s tough to maintain that level of performance consistently after the probation period. Instead, focus on steady progress—delivering 100% is already great. Once you pass probation, you can showcase further improvements and add value, giving yourself leverage for future promotion discussions.

2️⃣ I don’t know what level of performance is required to pass probation.

🌟 Whether you’re in the probation period or not, you should always clarify your work goals, expectations, and evaluation criteria with your manager. This doesn’t just impact your probation period outcome but also affects your annual performance review and potential bonuses .

🌟 Maintain proactive and regular communication with your manager and colleagues. Clarify your responsibilities, discuss progress toward your goals, and seek feedback. Making mistakes isn’t the issue—what matters is your attitude and ability to correct them! I recommend having a weekly check-in (10–30 minutes) with your manager during the first few months, then adjusting to a biweekly schedule later.

🌟 Observe and learn as much as possible. Understand the company culture and your team’s working style. Actively participate in company and team activities. Identify key stakeholders in your team collaborations and integrate yourself into social circles. A great way to break into social groups is simply by inviting colleagues to lunch!

3️⃣ There’s so much to learn. I went from being highly knowledgeable in my previous role to feeling like a complete beginner in my new position. I’m afraid others will think I know nothing.

🌟 During the first three months of your probation, it’s completely normal to not understand the business. You’re in a new environment, a new industry, working with new processes and teams. Everyone expects you to ask a lot of questions—even the most basic and obvious ones—because you’re still in the onboarding phase. If you don’t clarify fundamental questions now, and instead ask them three months later, people might question your capabilities!

🌟 Avoid constantly saying, “I am new to this project” or “I am new here.” Everyone already knows you’re new! If you’re still using that as an excuse after two or three months, it may give the impression that you’re relying on being new to justify underperformance.

🌟 Adapting to a new role takes time. Transitioning from a position where you “knew everything” to being a beginner can feel challenging, but don’t be discouraged! The process of learning new things is valuable and worth embracing. 👍

4️⃣ My actual job responsibilities are quite different from what I expected before joining, but I don’t want to leave. What should I do?

🌟 First, ask yourself why?! Reevaluate your career goals and expectations to understand exactly where the gap lies. Then ask yourself whether you can accept this difference. What is making you want to leave, and what is making you want to stay?

🌟 Once you have your answers, communicate openly with your manager. Clearly express your concerns and expectations. Politely mention the gap between your initial expectations and your actual responsibilities, and ask if there’s room for short-term adjustments or opportunities to work on tasks that interest you. Your manager may not be aware of your thoughts, and after discussing, they might make some adjustments. If the changes work for you—great! If nothing changes, then 👉

🌟 If you decide to stay for now, set short-term and long-term goals. Even if your current work isn’t exactly what you expected, you can still use it as a stepping stone 📈—gain experience, develop new skills, and take advantage of company resources to learn or take on new projects. Then, periodically reassess whether you want to stay or start looking for new opportunities.

5️⃣ During probation, I need to collaborate across departments, but I struggle with communication, lack resources and support, and feel insecure. 😔

🌟 Probation is a learning and growth phase, so it’s important to see these challenges as opportunities rather than problems. Overcoming them will help you build confidence and develop skills.‼️ Don't overlook small achievements—track your progress and reflect on your wins. Breaking big goals into smaller, manageable steps helps boost confidence with each milestone.

🌟 If communication feels difficult, try being clearer and more specific about your needs and expectations. Use simple, direct language and avoid vague statements or assumptions. Don't wait for others to reach out—be proactive in updating progress and giving feedback. Keep in mind that different people have different communication preferences—some prefer face-to-face discussions, while others like emails. Adapt accordingly to improve efficiency.

🌟 Identify exactly which resources and support you need—whether it’s technical support, human resources, or something else—so you can seek help strategically. ⚠️ Build your network by getting to know colleagues in different departments. Understanding their roles will help you find the right people to ask for help, rather than reaching out randomly. 🙂‍↔️

6️⃣ I’ve noticed complex office politics and power struggles. I feel confused and unsure how to navigate this.

🌟 If you’re not in a high-ranking or management position, you’re less likely to get involved in power struggles. 🙅 However, if office politics start affecting your work, try to remain neutral. Avoid taking sides, expressing biased opinions, or engaging in gossip. 💬 Don’t publicly comment on sensitive matters.

🌟 Stay focused on your work and minimize involvement in non-work-related discussions or disputes. Demonstrate that you prioritize work and company goals. Maintaining professionalism, strong work ethics, and emotional resilience is key.

🌟 If the office environment becomes overwhelming, consider seeking advice from your direct manager in private. Remember: One of your manager’s responsibilities is to provide guidance and ensure that office politics don’t negatively impact your performance.

🙋‍♀️ After discussing these six common probation period struggles, I believe the key to overcoming these anxieties boils down to:

✅ Developing a positive mindset – Probation is a learning and growth phase. Trust your abilities and acknowledge your progress.

✅ Self-assessment before making decisions – Understand what you truly want, clarify your career goals, and plan accordingly before taking the next step.

✅ Enhancing communication skills and expanding your network – Be proactive in seeking help, support, and feedback. Building relationships will make your work smoother and more efficient.

If you’ve just started a new job and are facing other challenges, feel free to leave a comment and discuss with me! 🙋‍♀️