Working Time Calculator Germany
Enter start, end and break minutes to get your net working time in hours and minutes and as a decimal, night shifts included, with a note on German break rules.
Net Working Time
8 hrs 30 min
8.50 Hours
Gross Working Time (incl. break)
9 hrs 00 min
9.00 Hours
Details
Statutory break regulations (ArbZG): At least 30 min. break after 6 hrs, at least 45 min. break after 9 hrs. The maximum daily working time is 10 hours.
Note: These calculations are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional tax or financial advice. All information without guarantee.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the legal working time limits in Germany?
The Working Hours Act (ArbZG) limits regular working time to 8 hours per day, extendable to 10 hours if averaged to 8 hours within six months. A minimum 11-hour rest period between workdays is required.
How are overtime hours regulated?
Overtime must generally be compensated through time off or pay, unless the employment contract specifies otherwise. Many collective agreements include overtime surcharges of 25-50%.
How do I calculate a night shift that runs past midnight?
Simply enter start and end as clock times: if the end time is earlier than the start time, the calculator automatically treats it as a time on the following day and shows the note “Night shift detected”. Example: 22:00 to 06:00 is 8 hours of attendance; minus a 30-minute break, 7 hrs 30 min remain, or 7.50 hours as a decimal value. The calculator does not compute night-work surcharges.
Guide
What is the Working Time Calculator Germany?
The working time calculator records start time, end time and breaks and computes the daily and weekly net working time.
How does the Working Time Calculator Germany work?
Enter the start and end times and break periods for each day. The calculator determines the net working time and totals it weekly or monthly. Overtime is detected automatically.
Key Data and Facts
Statutory break rules: 30 min from 6 h, 45 min from 9 h of work. Max. working time: 10 h/day, averaged over 6 months max. 8 h/day (Working Hours Act).
Step-by-Step Guide
How to calculate your working time step by step: 1. Enter the start and end of work: enter the times for each day, e.g. 08:00 to 17:00. 2. Deduct breaks: the statutory minimum break for 6-9 hours of working time: 30 minutes. For more than 9 hours: 45 minutes. 3. Calculate the net working time: end of work minus start of work minus break. Example: 17:00 - 08:00 = 9 hours, minus 45 min. break = 8 hours 15 min. 4. Add up the weekly working time: add up all daily working times. 5. Identify overtime: everything above the contractual weekly working time (e.g. 40 hours) is overtime. 6. Observe the maximum working time (ArbZG): max. 10 hours per day (with compensation down to 8 hours on average over 6 months). Between two working days: at least 11 hours of rest. Sunday rest with exceptions for certain industries.
Calculation Example
Week: Mon-Thu 08:00-17:00 (45 min break each day = 8:15 h), Fri 08:00-15:30 (30 min break = 7:00 h). Weekly working time: 4 x 8:15 + 7:00 = 40:00 h. No overtime.
Sources
Official sources
Calculations are based on applicable German laws and official data:
Full methodology at Methodology.
Reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Last updated:
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