Labour Laws

Searching for the proper job can be tedious- but it is fabulous when you finally get a "yes" from a company you like. Before you sign the contract and start to work, you should examine the proposed employment agreement thoroughly.

Anyone who works in Germany, in principle, has to pay taxes and make social security contributions. When one doesn't, their employment is considered undeclared and illegal – and undeclared work is no small matter: both employees and employers face severe penalties if employment is not properly registered. Here you will learn how to recognise undeclared work and illegal employment, what you need to consider and where you can find help. You will also find out whether undeclared work could adversely affect your stay permit.

Labour law in Germany is very complicated as there are numerous regulations in several bodies of law regarding the subject. However, it is crucial to know your rights and obligations as an employee. You can only demand your rights if you are aware of them.

Parental leave ("Elternzeit") is a leave from work for which the parents of babies and young children can apply. If you want to spend more time with your child, you can "go on parental leave". During this time, you do not work or do so only for limited hours. Mothers are not the only ones who use such an opportunity in Germany. More and more fathers apply for parental leave so that they can spend more time with their child in the first years of his/her life. After parental leave, you can return to your previous job.

To learn about the financial options you and your family have during parental leave, check our chapter "Parental Allowance".

When you are sick and unable to work, you are entitled to rest at home. However, your employer has the right to demand proof; i.e. confirmation of illness/unfitness for work - which you can obtain from a doctor. Colloquially, such a document is known as "Krankschreibung" (sick note), but the official term for it is "Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung " (certificate of unfitness for work) or -for short- "AU".

Prospect of dismissal makes almost every employee nervous. But not every contract termination is legally valid. It is, therefore, crucial that you understand your rights and know what to do upon dismissal or in case you decide to quit your job.

Works councils and unions are designed to protect the rights and interests of employees. Works councils are active in individual - larger - companies- and unions represent the interests of workers in specific industries. Here you can find out what the works council and union do and how you can become a member.