The Working Hours Act protects your health. It sets limits for working time, breaks and rest periods.
The essentials
- As a rule at most 8 hours per working day, temporarily up to 10 hours if it evens out on average.
- Break: at least 30 minutes for more than 6 hours, 45 minutes for more than 9 hours.
- At least 11 hours of rest between two working days.
- Work on Sundays and public holidays is generally not allowed, but many sectors have exceptions.
08:00–12:00 Work, 12:00–12:30 Break, 12:30–16:30 Work
Overtime
Whether overtime can be required, is paid or is compensated with time off depends on several rules and the circumstances. There is no general answer.
What should you check?
- 📄 Employment contract
- 🤝 Collective agreement
- 🏢 Works agreement
- 🕒 Your recorded working time
Night work means more than 2 hours of work between 11 pm and 6 am. Night workers are entitled, for example, to regular occupational health checks and appropriate compensation.
According to the Federal Labour Court, employers must have a system for recording working time. Also note down your hours yourself – it helps if questions come up.
If you work on Sundays, you usually get a replacement day off. Extra pay only exists if your contract or collective agreement provides for it.
MeaNext explains general rules about work in Germany. This information does not replace individual legal advice. In a specific case, your employment contract, collective agreement, works agreement and personal circumstances can be decisive.
Last expert review: 09/10/2026
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