Minimum Wage

From 01.10.2022 onwards, Germany now has a minimum wage law set at 12 Euro/hour.

 

The changes from this law regarding student job, internships, and trainee/volunteer jobs are particularly important for students, alumni, as well as those in the transition phase between their studies and their first career position.

  • Part Time Jobs working-age individuals working at part-time jobs are generally covered by the minimum wage law.
  • Volunteer/Trainee positions remain undefined by the law and are therefore not protected. It has to be determined from individual case to case if the employment falls under the Berufsbildungsgesetz.
  • Internships are also affected by the minimum wage, excluding certain exceptions. The exceptions to the rule here are internships required by a university program, as well as internships lasting up to three months.

What does the law exactly say?

The actual text to the law can be found, in German, here. The section on internships can be found under §22.

When does the minimum wage for interns work?

You can use this link to find out directly on the website of the Federal Ministry whether your internship is subject to minimum wage.

 

Who should I contact if I have specific questions?

The Federal Ministry for Employment and Social Affairs has a Service-Hotline for specific questions. Furthermore, the Ministry has a FAQ section with questions and answers to the minimum wage changes.

What exactly does the minimum wage law do?

With a 40 hour work week, the minimum wage projects a brutto monthly wage of around 2,080 Euros. The Ministry website has a wage calculator for further calculations. For comparison: a public sector employee with a Bachelor degree (wage class E 9 / E 10 / E 11, level 1) is around 3.200 to 3.700 Euro a month. Master degree holders can expect (E 13, level 1) around 4,270 Euro.

All values are subject to change.