Working hours
Table of contents
Working hours in Germany
In Germany, there are various legal regulations that govern the working hours of employees. Here are some general provisions:
- Working Hours Act (ArbZG): The Working Hours Act is the central law that regulates working hours in Germany. It contains provisions regarding maximum daily and weekly working hours, break regulations, rest periods between working days and night work.
- Regular working hours: As a rule, regular working hours are eight hours per day and 40 hours per week. However, there may be industry-specific and collectively agreed deviations.
- Overtime: Overtime may only be worked in exceptional cases and under certain conditions. These include, for example, exceptional order peaks or urgent work.
- Break regulations: Employees are entitled to breaks during working hours. The exact duration and distribution may vary depending on working hours.
- Night work: Night work is defined by law and is subject to special regulations. It concerns work that takes place for more than two hours between 11 pm and 6 am.
- Rest periods: There must be a rest period of at least eleven hours between two working days. Employees are also entitled to an uninterrupted rest period of at least 24 hours per week.
- Youth employment protection: Special regulations apply to young people with regard to working hours and breaks, which are set out in the Youth Employment Protection Act (JuSchG).
What generally applies under the Youth Employment Protection Act?
The Youth Employment Protection Act (JuSchG) in Germany regulates the protection of young people with regard to their working conditions. Among other things, it contains provisions regarding working hours for young people.
According to the JuSchG, certain restrictions apply to young people with regard to working hours, breaks and rest periods. Here are some important aspects in connection with working hours under the JuSchG:
- Working time limits: Young people are generally only allowed to work on certain days and at certain times. The exact regulations may vary depending on age and educational status.
- Daily working hours: The daily working hours of young people are limited. It depends on age and can be regulated differently on working days and before school or vocational school days.
- Break regulations: Young people are entitled to breaks during working hours. The breaks must be of an appropriate duration and distributed over a reasonable period of time.
- Maximum working hours per week: The maximum working hours per week are limited by law. This limit may vary depending on age and educational status.
- Rest periods: Young people are entitled to an uninterrupted rest period between two working days and to a longer uninterrupted rest period before the start of a working day.
The exact provisions depend on various factors, including the age of the young people and whether they are in school or vocational training. The regulations are intended to ensure that young people are adequately protected from overwork and health impairments.