Navigating the age at which one can work in Germany is a topic of interest for not only students and their families but also employers seeking young talent. In this country, children and young individuals can legally earn pocket money, but there are stipulations and constraints to consider, depending on their age and educational status.
Justifying the Limitations
Germany's Youth Employment Protection Act (JArbSchG) oversees the employment of children and young individuals. This act aims to protect them by imposing regulations on their type of work, working hours, and breaks, tailored to different age groups.
Defining Age Categories
Under the JArbSchG, a child refers to anyone under 15 years old, and a young person is anyone who has reached 15 but has not turned 18.
Regulations for Children Under 15
Children under 15 have limited working opportunities, as they are under special protection. According to JArbSchG, children aged 13 and older can engage in light work, provided they have their legal guardians' permission. Such tasks should not jeopardize their safety, health, or schooling. The workweek should not exceed 10 hours, split into 5 days, as the child's well-being and academic performance should remain priorities.
Work Hours for 15-Year-Olds
Young people aged 15 to 17 can work longer hours, up to a monthly maximum of 40 hours, translating to 5 days a week, with daily working hours limited to 8 hours between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Beginning at 16, they can also work in the hospitality sector and similar shift jobs, serving until 10 or 11 PM. At 15, they can also commence permanent employment, provided they hold a secondary school certificate.
Break and Weekend Work Regulations
Regulations concerning break times require a 30-minute break after 4.5 hours of work and a full hour break after 6 hours. As a rule, work on Saturdays is prohibited, with exceptions for specific industries (§16 and §17 JArbSchG).
Enriching Information
Germany's JArbSchG sets the following minimum working age and work hour limitations for children and young individuals:
- Minimum Working Age:
- At 13, children can legally begin working outside of school hours, while 13-14 year olds cannot work beyond 18:00[1][2].
- Work Hour Restrictions:
- For children aged 13-14, work cannot exceed 2 hours daily and 10 hours weekly[1].
- At 15, children can work up to 8 hour daily and 40 hours weekly[1].
- Type of Work Restrictions:
- The work must exclude dangerous tasks or interfere with education[1].
- Compulsory Education:
- Children and adolescents up to age 18 are required to attend school or vocational training, comprising dual education systems that combine work and education[1].
These regulations maintain a balance between children and young individuals' educational requirements and their employment opportunities.
