Student Rights During a Schulpraktikum: Working Hours and Accident Insurance

During a Schulpraktikum (school internship) in Germany, the student has several legal rights intended to protect them and ensure a safe and beneficial experience. Here are the full details:

1. Permitted working hours
Working hours are subject to the Youth Employment Protection Act (Jugendarbeitsschutzgesetz):

• Work on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays is prohibited unless there is a special school exception.

• Working hours must be between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

2. Insurance during the internship
Yes, the student is fully insured during the internship.

Accident insurance (Unfallversicherung):
It is covered by the public school insurance (gesetzliche Schülerunfallversicherung) as long as:

• the student is carrying out tasks related to the internship, or

• the student is traveling to and from the internship place.
  No special insurance is required from the family or the company.

Note: If an accident occurs, the school and the internship provider must be informed immediately.

3. Breaks and rest periods
According to the law:

• After 4.5 hours of work: a break of at least 30 minutes

• After 6 hours of work: a break of at least 60 minutes
  The student may not work without a break beyond these limits.

4. Prohibited tasks for interns
By law, during a Schulpraktikum the student is prohibited from:

• lifting or carrying heavy weights

• using dangerous machines

• working in areas with harmful chemicals

• dealing with patients without direct supervision (in hospitals)

• driving vehicles

5. The student’s right to guidance and supervision

• A direct supervisor must be assigned within the hosting institution.

• The school usually follows up the internship through a visit or communication.

• The student has the right to ask questions and receive explanations about tasks.

6. Assigned tasks

• Tasks must be suitable for the student’s age and education level.

• The student must not be used only for heavy routine work (such as cleaning only).

• The purpose should be educational and experiential, not productive.

7. The student can:

• refuse dangerous or unsuitable tasks

• seek advice from the responsible teacher

• request termination of the internship if there is danger or unacceptable conditions (with the school’s approval)

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ـ* The team of writers and editors at the website strives to provide accurate information through intensive research and reviewing multiple sources when writing articles. However, some errors may appear or some information may be unconfirmed. Therefore, please consider the information in the articles as an initial reference and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.