A German offer letter (Einstellungsschreiben or Angebot) often arrives before the full Arbeitsvertrag. Many candidates reply within hours, locking in a number they have not yet tested against the rest of the package.
Start with the fixed monthly or annual figure and confirm whether it is brutto. Then look for Jahresbonus, Zielvereinbarung, and any mention of a 13th salary. If the bonus is discretionary, treat the guaranteed cash as your floor for negotiation.
Probation (Probezeit) of up to six months is common. Note the notice period during probation — two weeks is frequent — and whether a company car or remote-work allowance begins only after confirmation.
Start-date flexibility matters when you still have a Kündigungsfrist with your current employer. Ask whether the offer holds if your release date slips by two to four weeks.
Before you reply, list three clarification questions for HR. A short, precise email protects the relationship and keeps room to negotiate base pay or a signing component once the full contract arrives.