Working hours and overtime
In Germany, regular working time is 8 hours a day, 48 hours a week.
If you work between 6 to 9 hours, you are entitled to a break of 30 minutes.
If your workday is longer than 9 hours, you are entitled to a break of 45 minutes.
Breaks are not paid by law.
Your employer must announce your break times.
Overtime
Overtime is allowed but must be ordered by your employer. A daily working time up to 10 hours-in exceptional cases even up to 12 hours-is allowed.
If you have questions according your working time contact an advisory centre.
A daily rest period of at least 11 hours must be ensured.
There is no overtime payment regulated by law.
For every hour you work overtime you must get the minimum wage.
Do I get the right salary?
If you work on a Sunday, you are entitled to a day of rest in compensation within the next two weeks.
If you work on public holidays, you are entitled to a day of rest in compensation within the next eight weeks.
Examples:
- On Monday, you worked until 7 pm because your employer ordered you to work overtime. The next day you will start your work no earlier than 6 am. Your employer must ensure your daily rest period of at least 11 hours.
- Your employer asked you to work on a Sunday. You agreed but in exchange you have the right to take a day off, for example the following Thursday.