Minimum Wage

The Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has produced a brochure specifically on the minimum wage for students.

For students and graduates in the transitional phase between study and work, the effects on part-time jobs, internships and traineeships are particularly relevant.

• Part-time jobs (including mini-jobs) for adults are generally covered by the minimum wage.
• Voluntary work/trainee positions are not defined and protected by law as terms. They therefore do not appear in the law. In individual cases, it must be checked whether an employment relationship or training relationship in accordance with the Vocational Training Act exists that is subject to the minimum wage.
• Internships are also covered by the minimum wage, but there are several exceptions. For example, compulsory university internships are exempt, as are study-related internships of up to three months in length and orientation internships of up to three months in length that are completed before or during studies.