My employer doesn't pay my wages — who do I contact?

Direct answer

Unpaid wages are the one dispute where waiting costs you: claims expire. Write to the employer with the amount and a short deadline, then contact Mindestlohn-Hotline (BMAS) / Zoll FKS (030 60 28 00 28) — the body that enforces employment law in Germany; they can inspect and order payment. A union, Gewerkschaft (DGB Rechtsschutz) (dgb.de), takes the case for members and often for new members too. If the employer is insolvent, Agentur für Arbeit — Insolvenzgeld pays the last months from a guarantee fund. Keep contracts, payslips and hours worked.

The labour court can be used without a lawyer in the first instance; its application office writes the claim down with you.

Call firstMindestlohn-Hotline (BMAS) / Zoll FKS

Report toGewerkschaft (DGB Rechtsschutz)

If that failsAgentur für Arbeit — Insolvenzgeld

🗣️ What to say

"My wages for [month] of €… gross were due on [date] and have not been paid. I request payment within 7 days. If not, I will file with Mindestlohn-Hotline (BMAS) / Zoll FKS and claim interest and costs."

🪜 Step by step

Put it in writingAmount, period, due date, 7-day deadline. Keep every message about pay.
Gather proofContract, payslips, bank statements, your own record of hours and days worked, work chat messages.
Report to Mindestlohn-Hotline (BMAS) / Zoll FKSComplaints are confidential; the inspectorate can visit and fine. It costs nothing.
Get Gewerkschaft (DGB Rechtsschutz) on your sideUnions know the collective agreement that may set a higher wage than your contract, and they represent you in court.
Insolvent employer? Agentur für Arbeit — InsolvenzgeldThe wage guarantee fund pays a capped amount of unpaid wages when the company goes bust — apply quickly, deadlines are short.

📇 All contacts

Mindestlohn-Hotline (BMAS) / Zoll FKSReport minimum-wage breaches, inspectionsWhen paid below minimum wage or not at all📞 030 60 28 00 28 🔗 www.zoll.de/DE/Privatpersonen/Arbeit/Mindestlohn/mindestlohn_node.html

Gewerkschaft (DGB Rechtsschutz)Advice, representation at the labour courtFor members; joining is usually possible right away🔗 www.dgb.de/gewerkschaften

Agentur für Arbeit — InsolvenzgeldUp to 3 months of wages when the employer is insolventApply within 2 months of the insolvency being opened🔗 www.arbeitsagentur.de/finanzielle-hilfen/insolvenzgeld

❓ Frequently asked

Can I stop working until I am paid?

In most countries yes, after a written warning, if the arrears are substantial — check with Gewerkschaft (DGB Rechtsschutz) first so it cannot be treated as abandonment.

I worked without a contract

You are still an employee. Messages, hours, colleagues and payments prove the relationship, and the inspectorate can enforce the minimum wage.

How long do I have?

Limitation periods are short — often one to three years, and collective agreements may cut it to months. Act now.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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💼 My employer doesn't pay my wages — who do I contact?