Many places help for free. For a lawyer or a court case, there is support if money is tight.
The essentials
- Legal advice aid (Beratungshilfe): with a low income you can apply at the local court (Amtsgericht) for a voucher for advice from a lawyer. You then only pay a small contribution.
- Legal aid (Prozesskostenhilfe): with a low income the state can cover court and lawyer costs fully or partly. You apply at the court.
- Legal expenses insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung): it only pays if it covers employment law and existed before the problem. There is often a waiting period.
- Advice centresUsually free.
- Works councilFree for employees.
- Trade unionMembership fee. Legal protection for members often only starts after a waiting period.
- LawyerCosts money. Ask about the costs before the consultation.
- Labour court, first instanceEach side pays its own lawyer – even the side that wins. If you reach an agreement, there are no court fees.
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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