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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
