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Work · Germany
Updated September 2026

🛑 I am being bullied or harassed at work — who do I report it to?

Direct answer

Employers have a legal duty to protect you from harassment and bullying by colleagues, managers or customers, and must have a procedure for it. Keep a diary from today: date, what happened, who saw it. Report it in writing to the employer (HR, the confidential adviser, the works council). If nothing happens or it gets worse, Mindestlohn-Hotline (BMAS) / Zoll FKS (030 60 28 00 28) inspects psychosocial risks at work in Germany; Gewerkschaft (DGB Rechtsschutz) (dgb.de) represents you; if the harassment is about sex, origin or another protected ground, Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes (0800 546 546 5) is the equality body.

Call firstMindestlohn-Hotline (BMAS) / Zoll FKS
Report toGewerkschaft (DGB Rechtsschutz)
If that failsAntidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes

🗣️ What to say

"Since [date] I have been subjected to [behaviour] by [name/role], for example on [dates]. This affects my health and my work. I ask you to investigate, to take measures to stop it, and to confirm in writing what you will do. I am keeping a record of incidents."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Diary from todayFacts, dates, witnesses, emails. Keep it at home.
  2. See your doctorIf it affects your sleep or health. A medical record is evidence and protects you if you need leave.
  3. Report in writing to the employerTo HR or the confidential adviser; keep a copy. The employer must investigate.
  4. Nothing happens: Mindestlohn-Hotline (BMAS) / Zoll FKSLabour inspectorates handle psychosocial risks; a complaint triggers an inspection.
  5. Protected ground: Antidiskriminierungsstelle des BundesSexual harassment and harassment tied to origin, religion, disability etc. is discrimination — the equality body helps with a claim.

📇 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
Antidiskriminierungsstelle des BundesAdvice on discrimination, deadlines, mediationFor discrimination on origin, sex, age, disability …📞 0800 546 546 5🔗 www.antidiskriminierungsstelle.de
WEISSER RINGVictim support: advice, accompaniment, compensationAfter any crime📞 116 006🔗 weisser-ring.de

❓ Frequently asked

Can I refuse to work with the harasser?

You can ask for measures — a different team, no contact — and the employer must consider them. Leaving without agreement is risky; get advice first.

I want to resign

A resignation caused by unaddressed harassment can count as a dismissal with compensation in many countries — but only if you complained first and it is documented. Talk to Gewerkschaft (DGB Rechtsschutz) before resigning.

Can I record conversations?

Rules differ; in many countries recording a conversation you are part of is allowed as evidence, secretly recording others is not. Ask Gewerkschaft (DGB Rechtsschutz).

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “harassment at work report Germany”
  • “workplace bullying who to contact”
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  • “sexual harassment work complaint Germany”
  • “labour inspectorate psychosocial complaint”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🚻Discrimination at work→🤒Sick and pressured→💼Unpaid wages→⚖️Unfair dismissal→

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