Is Overtime Pay Required in Germany?
There is no statutory overtime rate in Germany. Here is what the law actually says, and what does apply instead.
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What applies instead
- Overtime starts after 8 hours a day.
- Limit: 8 hours a day, extendable to 10 if the average holds over six months.
- Set by Arbeitszeitgesetz 1994 §§ 3, 6(5), 9, 11(3).
Worth knowing
The Act governs hours, not pay. Its only pay provision is § 6(5) on night work, which requires an appropriate supplement or paid days off and names no percentage. The Federal Labour Court has said 25% is neither a floor nor a ceiling. Sunday and holiday work are compensated with replacement rest days.