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Work in Germany: Contract, Salary, Taxes & Rights

Understanding Work in Germany: Arbeitsvertrag, Steuerklasse, Lohnabrechnung, Kündigungsfristen, Mutterschutz. Practical guides in 15 languages, free.

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Bürgergeld — Social Welfare in Germany (formerly Hartz IV)
Finance & Taxes
Bürgergeld is Germany's basic social security benefit for unemployed people or those with very low incomes. In 2025, it provides €563 month…
Elterngeld — Parental Allowance in Germany
Finance & Taxes
Elterngeld is a state benefit for German parents caring for children, providing 65-67% of previous net salary (€300-1,800/month) for 12-14 …
Minijob — Work up to €603 in Germany
Work
A Minijob is employment in Germany earning up to €603 monthly without income tax or social contributions. Workers have vacation and minimum…
Steuernummer vs Steuer-ID — Tax Numbers in Germany
Finance & Taxes
Germany has two different tax numbers: Steuer-ID (11 digits, lifetime) and Steuernummer (13 digits, changes with relocation). Steuer-ID is …
Notary Costs in Germany — Fees, Services and Money-Saving Tips
Finance & Taxes
What a notary costs, when you need one, and how fees are calculated: property purchase, inheritance law, business formation, and more.
Krankschreibung — Medical Leave in Germany
Work
Medical leave in Germany is mandatory from day 4 of illness and sent electronically to your doctor. Your employer pays 100% of salary for 6…

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Lost my job — What to do now
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How many vacation days am I entitled to?
    By law, you are entitled to at least 20 vacation days for a 5-day week (24 days for a 6-day week). Many employment contracts and collective agreements provide 25–30 days.
  • Do I have to file a tax return in Germany?
    Employees with only one job are usually not required to, but can voluntarily file and receive on average about 1.100 € back. Filing is mandatory, among others, for Steuerklasse III/V combination, add…
  • What is a Minijob?
    A Minijob is a minor employment with earnings of a maximum of 603 € per month (as of 2026). You do not pay income tax or social security contributions (except voluntary contributions to pension insur…
  • What is the Rundfunkgebühr?
    The Rundfunkbeitrag amounts to 18,36 € per month per household (as of 2026) and is collected automatically. Exemption is possible if you receive Bürgergeld, BAföG, or have a severe disability.
  • What dismissal protection do I have?
    In businesses with more than 10 employees, the Kündigungsschutzgesetz applies after 6 months. Your employer then needs a valid reason for dismissal. The notice period is at least 4 weeks.
  • What tax classes are there?
    There are 6 tax classes: I (single), II (single parent), III/V (married couple combination), IV (married couple equal), VI (second job). The tax class affects the monthly income tax deduction.
  • How much child allowance will I receive?
    Child allowance amounts to 259 € per month per child (as of 2026). It is paid out by the Familienkasse of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit. The application can be submitted online.
  • Do I need a work permit?
    EU citizens may work without permission. Non-EU citizens need an Aufenthaltserlaubnis (residence permit) with Arbeitserlaubnis (work permit). This is issued by the Ausländerbehörde (immigration autho…

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German Concepts Glossary

Abfindung — severance payment
One-time payment by the employer upon termination of employment — no legal entitlement, often agree…
Abgeltungsteuer — Capital gains tax
Flat tax of 25% on capital income such as interest, dividends, and capital gains.
Altersteilzeit — Phased retirement
A model for gradually reducing working hours before retirement.
Arbeitnehmersparzulage — employee savings allowance
State subsidy for low-income employees who save through tax-advantaged investment plans.
Arbeitsagentur — Employment agency
Federal Employment Agency — responsible for job placement, career counseling, and unemployment bene…
Arbeitsgenehmigung — Work permit
Permission to work in Germany, often tied to the residence permit.
Arbeitslosengeld — Unemployment benefit
Unemployment insurance benefit (ALG I) for persons who have been insured for at least 12 months.
Arbeitsvertrag — Employment contract
Written agreement between employer and employee covering tasks, salary, working hours, and notice p…
Arbeitszeugnis — work certificate
Written reference from the employer at the end of employment — entitlement to it is legally guarant…
Aufhebungsvertrag — termination agreement
Mutual agreement to terminate an employment relationship — Warning: can trigger a waiting period fo…
Bausparvertrag — building savings contract
Savings contract with a building and loan association — save first, then get favorable building loa…
Berufshaftpflichtversicherung — professional liability insurance
Compulsory insurance for certain professional groups (doctors, lawyers, architects) against damages…
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