[asteinbr]

I can't imagine that you don't get any compensation. Germany has good rights for employees. I would contact an attorney for employment law. Maybe you can get something. I mean you are in a very unpleasant situation.

All the best for you.

[Jdam]

It's not legal. I looked this up when I joined my company (in Berlin) last year. Even if you don't sign anything but the recruiter says/writes that you will be hired, this is already regarded as an "Absicht" (Intention) and they have to compensate you for some time. Get a lawyer to sort this out. Will be worth it.

[degenerate]

Would he need a German or US lawyer? Or is the general practice to get a local lawyer and let them handle all the cross-border details?

[MatthewWilkes]

The contract almost certainly specifies that the choice of law will be German law. Either way, it seems the author is based in Prague currently, so I'm not sure how US law would figure into it.

[degenerate]

I thought SoundCloud was a US company?

[pyroinferno]

Soundcloud is a German company. Also, if a American company is operating in Germany they follow German laws. That is why he would need a German lawyer.

[cagataygurturk]

Soundcloud is incorporated in the UK but German Law would apply in this case.

[asteinbr]

I'm still thinking about it.

After German employment rights (I am not a lawyer, so no guarantee) you signed an employment contract, they need to pay you. First when you receive a written notice you are out, currently you should be a member of the company from the date which is written down on the contract, which you signed.

Germany is really employee-friendly I really would contact an attorney.

[pluma]

I'm German. I would strongly advise to talk to a lawyer in this situation. Lawyers are very affordable, especially if you just want to check to make sure the law is on your side.

I'd just look for a lawyer specializing in employment contracts and pay for a <1hr visit to ask them their opinion on the situation. They can also tell you whether it's worth pursuing legally but the most important thing is that you'll know better next time and be able to say "No, you can't do that, you have to pay me for X weeks" if that's what the lawyer says is your right.

EDIT: Having a lawyer is handy if you need to sue someone but the real value comes from knowing with confidence when you're right and when you're not. This defends you against FUD, which can be powerful.