What is a “Pause” at work?
A Pause is an official break during the working day which is granted by law. It is meant for rest and eating and is mandatory for reasons of health and safety at work.
Basic legal rules (according to the Working Hours Act – Arbeitszeitgesetz, ArbZG):
| Daily working time | Mandatory break time |
|---|---|
| up to 6 hours | no mandatory break |
| more than 6 up to 9 hours | at least 30 minutes |
| more than 9 hours | at least 45 minutes |
The break can be split into several parts, but each part must be at least 15 minutes long.
The break must be taken after a maximum of 6 hours of work; continuous work of more than 6 hours without a break is not allowed.
Breaks do not count as actual working time (so they are normally not paid), unless the employment contract or a collective agreement explicitly provides otherwise.
Short breaks (Kurzpausen):
Some companies allow additional “short breaks” of about 5–10 minutes (for example to drink water or rest briefly). These short breaks are not required by law, but are recommended to support employees’ health.
Breaks for minors (Jugendarbeitsschutzgesetz – Youth Employment Protection Act):
For employees under 18 years of age, stricter rules apply:
For 4.5 to 6 hours of work: at least 30 minutes of break
For more than 6 hours of work: at least 60 minutes of break
Types of breaks:
Pause (official break): A formal, usually unpaid rest period required by law.
Raucherpause (smoking break): Not required by law and not automatically counted as the official break. The employer may regulate, restrict or prohibit smoking breaks.
Breaks at computer workstations (Bildschirmarbeitsplatz): For employees working mainly at a screen, regular short breaks or task changes should be provided to protect the eyes and general health, in line with occupational health recommendations.
Employee rights:
You have the right to claim your legal break and not to work longer than the prescribed time without a Pause.
If an employer systematically refuses to grant breaks, this constitutes a violation of labour law.
Conclusion:
If you work more than 6 hours, you are entitled to at least a 30-minute break (and 45 minutes if you work more than 9 hours).
Breaks are a legal right designed to protect your health and safety and must not be withheld from you.
In practice, breaks should be organised according to the work schedule or in agreement with management.
The editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some details may remain uncertain. Therefore, please treat the information in these articles as an initial point of reference and always contact the competent authorities for binding and up-to-date information.
