On average, employeesin Germany have some of the shortest working hours in Europe. Couple this with high productivity levels, and it seems that Germans strike an ideal work-life balance. The page looks at working hours, overtime and related regulations in Germany.
Full-time work in Germany
The average working week in Germany is between 36 and 40 hours. The majority of full-time jobs in Germany are seven or eight hours a day, five days a week, with an hour or 30 minutes’ break at lunchtime.
Some companies may operate a longer working week, but compensate their employees with a higher salary or additional annual holiday leave. Self-employed workers often work more than 48 hours per week.
Part-time work in Germany
Anyone working in Germany for less than 30 hours per week is considered a part-time employee. Once you have been at your company for six months, you have the right to request a reduction to your weekly working hours (as long as the company employs more than 15 people).
Part-time work is becoming more popular, as freelancing and job-sharing become more prevalent. The generous provisionin Germany for parental allowancealso combines well with part-time work. In 2018, Germany’s biggest metalwork union won a legal battle to be granted the right to a 28-hour week.
Legal limits to working hours in Germany
In Germany there are strict legal limits on working hours: you are not permitted to work more than eight hours per day. The working week runs from Monday to Saturday, and employees must not work more than 48 hours per week. This can be extended to 10hours per day, if within six months (or 24 weeks) the overall average working time does not exceed eight hours per day.
Work on Sundays and public holidays is largely prohibited, except for workers in the service industry. Work on Sundays must be compensated by corresponding time off within the following two weeks.
If you work between six and nine hours you are entitled to a 30-minute break, which you can also split into two breaks of 15 minutes. If you work more than nine hours, you are entitled to a 45-minute break after six hours of work. You must receive a break of more than 11 hours between work shifts.
Working overtime in Germany
Overtime work must also conform to the maximum working hours specified above (i.e. no more than 60 hours a week, averaging out to 48 hours over a 6-month period). Overtime will usually be compensated with time off in lieu, although some companies will pay for any overtime hours worked.
Your right to compensation for hours worked overtime will be specified in your employment contract. Some companies maintain that a small amount of overtime is a normal part of the job and will not provide additional remuneration.
If you have any concerns with the amount of (unpaid) overtime you are working, it is best to speak with your employer. You might also consider consulting with a lawyer.
Flexible hours in Germany
Many companies in Germany will allow you to work flexibly rather than sticking rigidly to the standard working day. This might include:
- Working from home
- Working longer days in exchange for days off
- Time off in lieu
FAQs
An average working week in Germany as a full-time employee is between 36 and 40 hours, with working days in Germany between 7 and 8 hours. A full-time employee in Germany has an average working week of 40 hours. University students can also work during their studies but the requirements are different.
What are full day hours in Germany? ›
Standard hours in Germany
Monday to Saturday are considered the legal working days, but most employees typically work from Monday to Friday. Workdays usually start between 8-9 am and finish between 5-6 pm.
Can you work 10 hours a day in Germany? ›
The average working hours in Germany is 8 hours per day. This can be extended to up to 10 hours per day for a short period. A rest period of 11 hours is normally prescribed between 2 shifts.
Can I work 40 hours a week in Germany? ›
As a matter of principle, an employment contract contains compulsory information about working hours. A full-time job in Germany usually comprises between 35 and 40 hours each week. You may not work more than 48 hours each week ac- cording to the German Working Hours Act.
Does Germany have a 32 hour work week? ›
Germany is already home to one of the shortest average working weeks in Europe. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), the average working week is 34.2 hours.
What is the average salary in Germany? ›
According to a survey by StepStone, the average salary for men is €47,000, while the average salary for women is €40,000. In 2020, women earned an average of over 18% less than men per worked hour in the country.
Do Germans work 6 days a week? ›
German employees typically work 34.2 hours per week. Additionally, during the standard workweek—defined as Monday through Saturday—a German employee's work hours may not legally exceed 48 hours. Along these lines, German labor laws require that employees receive plenty of respites so that they can recharge.
Is it illegal to work on Sunday in Germany? ›
Work on Sundays and public holidays is generally prohibited. There are exceptions available for workers in the service industry. However, work on Sundays has to be compensated for by corresponding time off within the next two weeks (or eight weeks in the case of work on public holidays).
What time is dinner in Germany? ›
The typical meals are divided in a rather copious breakfast (6 am – 8 am), lunch (12 pm – 2 pm) and dinner (6 pm – 8 pm). Breakfast usually consists of bread that can be topped with cheese, cold cuts, jam, honey, Nutella etc., if you prefer something salty.
Which country has the lowest working hours? ›
Countries with the lowest average weekly working hours worldwide 2022. Kiribati in the Pacific was the country with the lowest average weekly working hours per employee in 2022, with the most recent value showing that the population of Kiribati worked on average less than 28 hours per week.
The general, rough costs of living in Germany per month for a single person are as follows: Rent: from €300 (student halls or room in a shared flat) to €700+ (one-bed flat in city) Utilities: €220 (inc. internet, mobile & TV)
What is the hourly wage in Germany? ›
The minimum wage has been revised in Germany, with effect from 01 January 2024. The minimum wage has increased from €12.00 to €12.41 per hour. Note: This minimum wage increase might not reflect the inflationary trends.
Is Germany trialing a 4 day week? ›
Germany is testing a four-day work week to determine if it can improve productivity while keeping employees healthier and happier. The program, involving 45 companies, aims to address the shortage of skilled workers in the labor market.
Is Germany moving to a 4 day work week? ›
In early February, 31 companies in Germany began a “four-day” work week pilot. The initiative is being led by not-for-profit company, 4 Day Week Global (4DWG), and management consultancy, Intraprenör. Another 14 companies are joining the initiative in March.
Do Germans get paid weekly? ›
Salaries are paid monthly.
Does Germany have a four-day work week? ›
In early February, 31 companies in Germany began a “four-day” work week pilot. The initiative is being led by not-for-profit company, 4 Day Week Global (4DWG), and management consultancy, Intraprenör. Another 14 companies are joining the initiative in March.
How long do Germans work a week? ›
The average weekly hours worked on the main job in Germany saw no significant changes in 2021 in comparison to the previous year 2020 and remained at around 34.57 hours.
What are school day hours in Germany? ›
Lessons start between 7:30 and 8 am. At primary school they finish at 11 or 12. In the other schools, classes mostly continue until 1 pm, sometimes longer. There are also all-day schools, where they have lessons until about 4 pm.
