For problems at work, different offices can help depending on the situation.
The essentials
- At the labour court you do not need a lawyer in the first instance.
- At the court's legal application office (Rechtsantragsstelle) you can have a claim written down.
- Often a case already ends at the first hearing, the conciliation hearing (Güteverhandlung), with an agreement.
- Works council (Betriebsrat)The elected representation of employees in the company. Not every company has one. Free for you.
- Trade union (Gewerkschaft)Trade unions offer members advice and legal protection under their own conditions. Ask your union whether it will take on your case; waiting periods and disputes that already existed can exclude coverage. You pay a membership fee.
- Advice centresFor example Faire Integration. Free, confidential and often in many languages.
- Employment lawyer (Fachanwalt für Arbeitsrecht)Checks your case and represents you. This costs money – ask about the costs first.
- Labour court (Arbeitsgericht)Decides disputes between employees and employers.
Labour court → Regional labour court → Federal labour court. From the regional labour court on, you need representation, for example by a lawyer or a union.
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
Terms on this page
Tap a word. The terms stay in German so you recognise them in letters and forms.