Germany
Governed by ArbZG (Arbeitszeitgesetz). Statutory 8 h/day, max 10 h, 11 h daily rest. Overtime framed by collective agreement. Time tracking mandatory since BAG 13/09/2022 ruling (CJEU CCOO). Remote work (Homeoffice) framed by contract or agreement.
Disclaimer: This country guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we update it regularly, it may not reflect ongoing regulatory changes. Illizeo SA accepts no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content.
Statutory working time
8 h/day standard, extend to 10 h if 6-month avg stays 8 h
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 8 h/day | ArbZG §3 | Statutory reference |
| Max daily | 10 h/day | ArbZG §3 | With 8 h avg compensation |
| Weekly hours | 48 h max (8 × 6) | ArbZG §3 | Saturday included |
| Minors | 8 h/day, 40 h/wk | JArbSchG | Youth protection law |
Overtime
No statutory premium, defined by CBA/contract
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statutory OT | Not defined | ArbZG | No statutory threshold |
| Premium | Per CBA | CBA | 25-50 % typical |
| Time in lieu | Very common | CBA | Time bank (Zeitkonto) |
| OT refusal | Possible | ArbZG §11 | Except emergency |
Rest & breaks
11 h daily, 35 h weekly · mandatory breaks by duration
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily rest | 11 consecutive h | ArbZG §5 | Reducible to 10 h sectors |
| Weekly rest | 35 h (Sunday) | ArbZG §11 | Sunday by default |
| Break 6-9 h | 30 min | ArbZG §4 | Unpaid |
| Break >9 h | 45 min | ArbZG §4 | Unpaid |
Night / Sunday / holiday work
Sunday/holiday prohibited by default · night 11pm-6am framed
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night work | 11pm-6am | ArbZG §2 | Mandatory medical exams |
| Night comp | Time off or premium | ArbZG §6 | By CBA |
| Sunday work | Prohibited by default | ArbZG §9 | Sector derogations |
| Holidays | 9-13 depending on Land | State law | Varies by state |
Time recording
Time tracking mandatory since BAG 13/09/2022 (CJEU CCOO)
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracking obligation | All employees | BAG 13/09/2022 | Ruling 1 ABR 22/21 |
| Method | Reliable objective system | CJEU C-55/18 | Digital recommended |
| Retention | 2 years (overage §16) | ArbZG §16 | Aushang display |
| Penalties | Up to €30k | ArbZG §22 | Administrative fine |
Remote & flex work
No dedicated law · Mobile-Arbeit-Gesetz in draft · disconnect not statutory
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal framework | No dedicated law | BGB §106 | Employer’s direction |
| Right to remote | No legal right | Mobile Work Act draft | Reform pending |
| Remote expenses | Tax flat €6/day max €1,260 | EStG §4(5) | Annual cap |
| Work accident | Recognized if work link | SGB VII | Recent BSG rulings |
Manage working time in Germany
Illizeo automates BAG time tracking, Zeitkonto, CBAs and ArbZG compliance.
Discover Illizeo