Working Hours Act

The German Working Hours Act regulates working time/hours in all sectors of employment. Generally, work should not exceed 8 hours, which may be extended to 10 hours, provided the average amount of 8 hours is not exceeded (§3). It is not permissible to engage persons in work for more than 6 hours without a break. Employees are entitled to a break of min. 30 mins for 6-8 work shifts. For over 9 hours, the employee is entitled to a 45 min break (§4). There should be an 11-hour period after a daily shift that is free from work (§5). Work is prohibited on Sundays and public holidays (§ 9). § 22 and 23 regard fines and criminal sanctions where these provisions are disregarded or wrongly applied.