Am I entitled to the minimum wage?
Yes, almost always. The statutory minimum wage applies to nearly all employees in Germany — including mini-jobs, part-time and most casual work. Since 1 January 2026 it is €13.90 per hour (previously €12.82); a rise to €14.60 is planned for 2027. The entitlement can't be waived: an agreement below the minimum wage is void, and you can claim the difference. Your hours worked must also be recorded correctly.
📋 The rules
- Minimum wage since 1 Jan 2026: €13.90/hour (2027 planned: €14.60)
- Applies to almost all employees — including mini-jobs and part-time
- The entitlement can't be waived — a lower agreement is void
- The difference to the minimum wage is reclaimable
- Working time must be documented
🔓 Exceptions
- Exempt: under-18s without a completed apprenticeship, trainees, certain internships and the long-term unemployed in the first 6 months
- Sector minimum wages (collective agreement) can be higher
- The self-employed/genuine service contracts aren't covered by the MiLoG
⚠️ Penalties & fines
If the employer pays less than the minimum wage, you can claim the difference — the claim isn't lost through exclusion clauses and only lapses after three years. Breaches of the Minimum Wage Act are an offence with fines up to €500,000; Customs (Financial Control of Undeclared Work) checks compliance, and complaints there can be anonymous.
📎 Official sources
- Minimum Wage Act (MiLoG) · statute →
- Federal Government · Minimum wage rises in 2026 →
- Customs · Minimum wage — tasks of the FKS →
❓ Frequently asked
How high is the minimum wage in 2026?
Since 1 January 2026 the statutory minimum wage is €13.90 per hour. A further rise to €14.60 is planned for 2027. Sector (collective-agreement) minimum wages can be higher.
Does the minimum wage apply to mini-jobs?
Yes. In a mini-job and part-time too you're entitled to the full minimum wage per hour. The earnings cap and the hourly rate together determine how many hours you may work.
What can I do if I get less?
You can claim the difference to the minimum wage — the entitlement can't be waived and only lapses after three years. If talking to the employer doesn't help, you can turn to Customs (Financial Control of Undeclared Work), anonymously too.
Are there exceptions to the minimum wage?
Yes. Exempt are, among others, trainees, under-18s without a vocational qualification, certain mandatory and orientation internships, and the long-term unemployed in the first six months of a new job.
Must my working time be recorded?
Yes, in many areas working time must be documented — especially for mini-jobs and in certain sectors. That protects your minimum-wage claim, since only then can compliance be checked.
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