An offer reading “E10, Stufe 2” gives two coordinates, not one long grade. Keeping them separate helps you ask the right question when the amount seems unexpected.
Entgeltgruppe: what is the role classified as?
The Entgeltgruppe is the pay group. Under agreements such as TVöD or TV-L, classification connects to defined job characteristics. Depending on the provisions, those may concern duties, independent work, responsibility, difficulty, qualifications, or combinations of these.
The employer usually assesses the role against those characteristics. A job title can be evidence of context, but the work allocated to the position matters more than whether the title says “senior” or “manager.”
Stufe: where does experience place you?
Within a group, numbered Stufen carry increasing table amounts. The agreement sets progression periods and rules for the entry step. Relevant previous professional experience may affect the entry point, but recognition is not automatic in every circumstance and wording differs between agreements and employer groups.
Ask which prior periods were considered, which provision was applied, and the date on which the next step is expected. Request the answer in writing.
Use a complete reference
When checking a table, record:
- the exact collective agreement;
- the employer area, such as Bund, VKA, or a Land;
- the Entgeltgruppe and Stufe;
- full-time weekly hours and your contracted percentage; and
- the pay table’s effective date.
A table amount without those details can be correct for a different employer or period and still be wrong for your offer.