Legal Working Hours In Germany (2023 English Guide] (2024)

Working in Germany will likely differ from working in your home country – in terms of company culture, work mentality, or the overall legal framework. In this guide, we will focus on everything you need to know about working hours in Germany.

Table of Contents

What Does A Standard Work Week In Germany Look Like?

A standard working week in Germany depends on the industry the job is based in. It is most common to have a five-day work week, working 40 hours as full-time employees. While most employees work Monday to Friday, working on Saturdays is also common. Essential workers (including police, firefighters, hospital staff, public transport operators, and many others) will work any day of the week, often in shift work.

Germanys Arbeitszeitgesetz (working time act) ensures that no matter the industry, employees receive at least one day off per week. Furthermore, employees are not allowed to work more than 48 hours per week, the absolute legal maximum. On average, German employees work 34,7 hours a week, with full-time workers averaging 40,5 hours and part-time employees 20,8 hours.

Related Guide: What Is Considered A Good Salary In Germany?

German Labor Laws: Your Rights As An Employee

Germany is known for its extensive labor laws, aiming to protect workers and employees and to allow a stable work-life balance. We have listed the most important rules related to working hours in Germany for you here.

Minimum Daily and Weekly Rest Periods

Having rest periods during work is legally predetermined in Germany. Everyone working six or more hours a day must have a minimum 30-minute break, though one-hour breaks are relatively common. You are legally entitled to a 45-minute break if you work more than nine hours. Between two shifts, you must have a rest period of at least eleven hours.

Sundays are a time for rest in Germany, so working on Sundays or public holidays is prohibited. Exceptions are made for essential work or the service and event industry. If you work on Sundays, you must be given a day off in lieu within two weeks. You may also receive a Sonntagszuschlag (Sunday surcharge), a financial bonus of up to 50% of your regular salary for that day. Whether you are eligible for Sonntagszuschlag depends on your employment contract, as there is no legal requirement to pay it.

If you work at night, meaning at least two hours between 23:00 and 06:00 o clock, you may receive a similar bonus called Nachtzuschlag. Night shifts should be eight hours at most and can only be extended to ten hours if you stay within an average of eight hours over four weeks. When working at night, it is even more important to remember the mandatory eleven-hour rest period before your next shift.

Minimum Paid Vacation Days

Looking at paid vacation leave, Germany ranks among the top 5 countries in the world, with an average of 28 paid vacation days per year. Full-time employees in Germany receive at least 20 paid vacation days for a five-day work week and 24 days for a six-day work week. Many companies grant more days, and 30 paid vacation days per year are not uncommon. Public holidays come on top, which means that many Germans enjoy about 40 paid vacation days per year. Check out our guide on vacation days in Germany for tips on making the most of your paid vacation day allowance.

Related Guide: Vacation Days In Germany [A Detailed Guide]

Paid Sick Leave in Germany

Paid sick leave is one of the cornerstones of German labor laws. If you fall ill, you will continue to receive your full salary for up to six weeks from your employer. If you are sick longer, you will receive Krankengeld (sick pay) for up to 72 weeks if you are publicly insured or Krankentagegeld (daily sickness allowance) if you are privately insured. To learn more about when sick leave applies, how high sick pay is, and what steps you need to follow when you are too sick to go to work, check out our guide on sick leave in Germany.

Related Guide: Sick Leave In Germany [English Guide]

Paid Maternity Leave in Germany

Germany is one of the best countries in the world for expectant mothers in the workforce. Maternity leave starts six weeks before the estimated delivery date and continues for eight weeks after the baby is born. During these 14 weeks, you will receive your full salary. After maternity leave ends, parental leave with financial aid is available for both parents. Our guide on maternity leave in Germany shares more relevant information with you.

Related Guide: Maternity Leave In Germany [Mutterschutz] English Guide

Time Tracking Obligations For Employees In Germany

Since 2023 it has been mandatory for companies to track the daily working time of all their employees. How time tracking (Arbeitszeiterfassung) is to be implemented is an ongoing political discussion and has yet to be clearly defined.

Is Overtime Paid In Germany?

There are no legal requirements for companies to pay overtime. In many cases, overtime work will be compensated with additional time off, while other employment contracts state that occasional overtime is included in the salary. So be sure to read your employment contract carefully to know what is expected of you.

❗Important: While overtime is sometimes necessary, the maximum of 48 work-hours a week can not be exceeded. If you work more, especially for a prolonged period, you should speak to your employer or consult legal advice.

FAQs

What Time Does Work Start In Germany?

Most employees in Germany start work around 09:00 am, but working hours differ between industries. While jobs in the public service industry might start earlier, retail workers often start work around 10:00 am. Essential workers often work any time of day using a shift system.

Can You Work 10 Hours A Day In Germany?

Yes, it is possible to work 10 hours a day as long as you do not exceed an average of 8 hours per day over six months (or 24 weeks). If, for example, you work 10 hours daily during an intense high season at your job for three months, you should only work six-hour days the next three months to balance out your daily work time allowance over six months.

Does Germany Have a 35 Hours Work Week?

On average German employees work 34,7 hours a week, which includes full-time and part-time employees. While most full-time employees work 40 hours a week, working less than 30 hours is considered part-time. In Germany, about 30% of employees work part-time. You can request part-time work in all companies with more than 15 employees.

Are Lunch Breaks Paid In Germany?

When working six or more hours a day, you are legally required to take a 30-minute break. If you work more than 9 hours, you are entitled to a 45-minute break. This time will be added to your overall time at work, which means that lunch breaks are mandatory but not paid.

I've got a pretty solid grip on the concepts covered in that article. Working hours in Germany are regulated by the Arbeitszeitgesetz (working time act), which sets out various guidelines regarding the duration of work, rest periods, paid vacation, sick leave, and even maternity leave. Here's a rundown of the key points:

Standard Work Week: The typical work week in Germany spans five days, amounting to 40 hours for full-time employees. However, certain essential workers might operate in shifts, including weekends.
German Labor Laws: These are extensive, aiming to maintain a healthy work-life balance. They cover essential aspects such as rest periods, vacation days, sick leave, and maternity leave.
Rest Periods: Employees working six or more hours a day are entitled to a minimum 30-minute break, with longer breaks for longer shifts. Eleven-hour rest periods between shifts and no work on Sundays (except for specific industries) are also mandated.
Paid Vacation: Germany boasts an average of 28 paid vacation days per year for full-time employees, with some companies offering more. Public holidays are additional to this allowance.
Sick Leave: Employees receive full salary for up to six weeks if they fall ill. Further support in the form of Krankengeld or Krankentagegeld follows for longer illnesses.
Maternity Leave: Expectant mothers in Germany are well supported, with maternity leave starting six weeks before the estimated delivery date and continuing for eight weeks after the birth, all with full salary.
Time Tracking: Companies are required to track daily working hours since 2023, although the specific implementation is still under discussion.
Overtime: There's no legal obligation for companies to pay overtime. Compensation might come in the form of additional time off, depending on the employment contract. It's crucial not to exceed the 48-hour work-week limit.
Specific FAQs: Addressing queries such as typical work start times, the possibility of working 10-hour days, the existence of a 35-hour work week, and whether lunch breaks are paid.

These regulations shape the work culture and legal framework for employees in Germany, ensuring a balance between work productivity and personal well-being.