Employees’ Remuneration Rights in Germany

Germany is renowned for its hard working employees both local and with a foreign background. At the work place there are a number of rules and regulations businesses have to follow. As an expat working in Germany, it is to your benefit to be aware of them.

Right for the Minimum Wage

As from January 2017, the minimum wage in Germany will be €8.84 per hour adding up to around €1,414,4 monthly. Any less than that is against the law and the employee has the right to claim it to the authorities.  The Minimum Wages Act is authorized to fine businesses a hefty sum up to €500,000.  This however, does not necessarily always apply for students, trainees or internships.

Paid Sick leave

This applies for temporary physical and mental illnesses.  If an employee is unable to work due to her or his illness, the employee will be entitled to full amount of the normal wage up to six weeks from the first day of sick leave.   In most cases the company will send a doctor to clarify and report the reason for absence.

Bonuses and Supplemental pay

Make sure to keep an eye for this when you are signing the engagement contract. There are many different types of bonuses that employees are entitled too.  A very common type of bonuses is commission, especially if you work in the selling sector.Supplemental pay normal is a form of compensation.  This often refers to working extra hours, night shifts and in some cases working Sundays and Public Holidays.