Labor Rights

Ask for a written employment contract. In Germany, a written contract is standard. Your employer must give you a document by your first working day at the latest that includes the following information:

• Names and addresses of the contract parties, meaning you and the company
• When the contract begins
• How much you will be paid
• How many days/hours you will work

You should receive a written contract within one month at the latest. The contract must then include additional information. A verbal employment contract is also possible, but a written contract is better. It helps you in case of a dispute, as you can prove what was agreed (for example, how much you will be paid).

Sometimes your employment contract may require you to work overtime. If it doesn’t say so in your contract, you are not required to do overtime. Even then, you are usually not allowed to work more than 8 hours per day, or up to a maximum of 10 hours.

If you are asked to work longer, make sure to note:

• when you were asked to work overtime
• how the request was made
• the exact hours you worked

In most cases, you will either be paid extra for overtime or be able to take time off later. It’s best to agree on this in advance.

No. If your work permit states, for example, that you are allowed to work 20 hours per week, you must not work more than that—this also applies to overtime or on-call work.

If your employer still expects you to work more, seek advice at a counseling center.

Write to your employer as soon as possible and demand your wages. This type of letter is called a formal claim. You need to act quickly, even if your employer says the payment is coming. There are deadlines, meaning a limited period in which you can claim your wages. These deadlines are stated in your employment contract.

Exception: For the statutory minimum wage, you have up to three years. Still, act quickly—sometimes employers disappear.

In some situations, it is important that you can prove your working hours—for example, if you are in a dispute with your employer because wages or overtime have not been paid.

Collect evidence, for example:

• photos at work
• SMS, WhatsApp messages, emails, and other messages
• letters from your employer
• payslips
• receipts
• work clothing (uniform)
• work ID
• photos of timesheets or shift schedules

Always report the accident immediately—even if it seems minor. Inform your manager and see a designated accident doctor (“D-Arzt”). The doctor will report the accident to the Berufsgenossenschaft (accident insurance provider), which covers the costs.

If you are unable to work for more than three days due to the accident, your employer must report it to the Berufsgenossenschaft or the accident insurance fund (Unfallkasse). This is important so that your treatment costs are covered.

You can find more information here:

Krankheit und Unfall

First, you should check whether your dismissal is valid. A dismissal must always be in writing—that means on paper with a signature. Verbal dismissals are not valid.

There is a notice period for dismissal. During this time, the employer must continue to pay your wages, and you must continue working. During the probation period, the notice period is often only two weeks. In exceptional cases, there can be immediate dismissal without notice. However, this requires a serious reason, and such dismissals are often not valid. You can have your dismissal reviewed by a court. To do this, you must file a claim. You only have three weeks after the dismissal to do so.

You must also register as a job seeker within three days after receiving the dismissal. You can find more information here:

Arbeitslosengeld (Unemployment Benefit)

By law, you are entitled to at least four weeks of vacation per year. Many companies offer more days—this is stated in your employment contract. You continue to receive your pay while on vacation.

Ask your employer how to request vacation days. Once your vacation is approved, you are allowed to take it.