Introduction to the General Act on Equal Treatment (AGG)

The General Act on Equal Treatment (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz – AGG) regulates protection against discrimination in employment and occupation. In this training—conducted jointly with a specialist employment lawyer—participants receive legal orientation and practical confidence for dealing with issues of equal treatment in the workplace.

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The German General Act on Equal Treatment (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz – AGG) establishes the legal framework for protection against discrimination in the workplace. It addresses issues of equal treatment, prevention of disadvantage, and the responsibilities of employers and employees alike. In this training, participants gain a practical overview of the objectives, key provisions, and areas of application of the AGG. They learn how to recognise discrimination, understand legal requirements, and respond appropriately to sensitive situations at work. The goal is greater legal certainty, clarity, and confidence when dealing with equality-related issues.

Our full-day seminar “Introduction to the General Act on Equal Treatment (AGG)” is delivered jointly by a specialist employment lawyer and a certified Diversity Trainer. This combination brings together legal expertise and didactic experience, ensuring that complex legal requirements are communicated clearly and translated sustainably into workplace practice.

Participants receive a solid introduction to the requirements of the General Act on Equal Treatment and engage interactively with issues of discrimination and harassment in the workplace through practical case studies and examples. In doing so, they develop both an awareness of their own rights and concrete strategies for action in situations in which they are directly affected or witness discriminatory behaviour.

Placing the AGG within the broader context of Diversity & Inclusion rounds off the seminar and creates connections to further diversity-related training and organisational measures.

Statutory Information Obligation under Section 12 (2) AGG

Under Section 12 (2) of the General Act on Equal Treatment, employers are legally "required to draw attention to the inadmissibilty of [...] discrimination in a suitable manner, in particular within the context of training and further training." By participating in this seminar, employers fulfil this statutory information obligation under the AGG.

Certificate of Participation

After completion of the training, participants receive a digital certificate of participation (PDF). This certificate may be included in the personnel file as documentation of compliance with the statutory information obligation pursuant to Section 12 (2) AGG.

Topics and Content

Objectives and scope of the General Act on Equal Treatment (AGG)
What rights and options do employees have under the AGG?
If it happens: How to address discrimination or harassment
Which dimensions of diversity are protected under the AGG?
What constitutes discrimination and harassment under the law?
Direct and indirect discrimination
Permissible differences of treatment under the AGG
Legal consequences of discrimination
Structural and systemic disadvantage
Discrimination and (inclusive) language
Gender: legal developments regarding the third gender

This Seminar Is Ideal For

Employees at all organisational levels who are interested in the legal foundations for preventing discrimination and/or harassment in the workplace
A version of this seminar tailored to the specific needs of HR departments, works councils, or senior management is also available. This format places particular emphasis on the measures required to implement effective organisational and control systems to prevent discrimination and harassment—and thereby avoid adverse consequences for the organisation and responsible decision-makers.

Participation Requirements

No prior knowledge or specific prerequisites required