Working hours:
The legal framework
The organization of working hours in Germany is subject to strict legal requirements designed to protect both employers and employees. These include the Working Hours Act ( ArbZG), which stipulates the maximum working hours, break regulations and rest periods.
The ArbZG stipulates that the maximum weekly working time may not exceed 48 hours. The daily working time may not normally exceed 8 hours, but can be extended to up to 10 hours under certain conditions.
Other important details from the law are
- Working hours on weekdays: Section 3 of the ArbZG stipulates that employees’ working hours on weekdays may not exceed eight hours. It can only be extended to up to ten hours, provided that an average of eight hours per working day is not exceeded within six calendar months or within 24 weeks.
- Rest breaks and rest periods: Section 4 of the ArbZG stipulates that employees who work between six and nine hours are entitled to a rest break of at least 30 minutes. If the working time exceeds nine hours, the rest break is extended to a total of 45 minutes. These rest breaks can be divided into periods of at least 15 minutes each. According to § 5, the rest period between working days must be at least eleven hours.
- Exceptions and special regulations: The law also contains provisions for exceptions and special regulations in specific cases, such as night and shift work, rest on Sundays and public holidays and regulations for hazardous work.