Guide to Working as an Aushilfe in Germany (2025)
Aushilfetätigkeit is a form of temporary or part-time “helper work”, usually considered a low-income or short-term position.
If your income does not exceed €556 per month and the total working period does not exceed two months or 50 working days per year, the Aushilfe job is generally classified as a Minijob (low-income job) (Arbeitsvertrag).
Anyone employed as an Aushilfskraft (temporary assistant/auxiliary worker) usually has similar rights to permanent employees (pro-rated paid vacation, continued wage payment during illness), with the important difference that the contract is usually fixed-term and notice periods may be shorter (§ 622 BGB) (sage.com, Gabler Wirtschaftslexikon).
| Type | Definition | Income / duration conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Geringfügige Beschäftigung (Minijob) | Monthly income of up to €556 on a regular basis | No formal time limit, but income is capped at €556 (minijob-zentrale.de) |
| Kurzfristige Beschäftigung | Temporary work that is not a long-term occupation | Up to 2 months or 50 working days per year; no income limit (Arbeitsvertrag) |
Minijob (Geringfügig entlohnte Beschäftigung)
For Minijobs, the employer pays flat-rate contributions to social insurance (covering, for example, pension, accident insurance, sickness and maternity benefits). The employee normally pays 3.6% pension insurance contributions, but can request exemption from this pension obligation (Deutsche Rentenversicherung, minijob-zentrale.de).
Income tax is usually not deducted from the employee’s wages in a Minijob, unless the employee explicitly opts for regular taxation under a personal tax class.
Kurzfristige Beschäftigung (short-term employment)
Short-term employment is fully exempt from social insurance contributions (no payments to health, pension, unemployment insurance or other social security branches), with no income limit, provided that the short duration conditions are respected (minijob-zentrale.de).
The statutory minimum wage in 2025 is €12.82 per hour, and it applies to all workers, including those working as Aushilfen, whether in a Minijob or a short-term job (Kurzfristig) (bundesregierung.de).
When calculating working hours, it is not permitted to pay less than this hourly rate. Any wage below this minimum is considered a violation of German wage law.
As an Aushilfe, you generally have the right to:
Paid annual leave on a pro-rata basis according to the German leave legislation (Urlaubsgesetz / Bundesurlaubsgesetz) – equivalent to around four weeks for full-time work, proportionally adjusted for part-time (sage.com).
Continued payment of wages in case of illness (Entgeltfortzahlung), provided the employment has lasted at least four consecutive weeks.
Accident insurance, which is mandatory for the employer to provide through the relevant Berufsgenossenschaft (statutory accident insurance association).
A written contract or written confirmation of working conditions within one month of starting the job, as required by the German Nachweisgesetz (Proof of Conditions Act).
Minijob:
The employer must register the Aushilfe as a Minijobber with the Minijob-Zentrale, ideally before the first working day (registration is usually done electronically via the Minijob-Zentrale contribution system) (minijob-zentrale.de).
Kurzfristige Beschäftigung:
For short-term employment, it is generally sufficient that the employer notifies the health insurance fund or employment office and classifies the job as short-term employment.
Recording hours and wages:
You should keep detailed records of your working hours and pay slips for at least five years, both for your own overview and as documentary proof in case of checks or disputes.
It is possible to combine multiple Minijobs/Aushilfe jobs, but the total income from all Minijobs combined may not exceed €556 per month. If this limit is exceeded, the combined employment is treated, for social insurance purposes, as a regular job or Midijob (aok.de).
Short-term jobs (Kurzfristige Beschäftigungen) can be performed without any income limit, as long as the legal duration limit (e.g. 2 months or 50 days per year) is not exceeded.
The Jobbörse of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency), using filters such as “Minijob” or “Aushilfe”.
Private job portals, such as Indeed, StepStone and aushilfsjobs.info.
Company websites directly: supermarkets (Rewe, Lidl, Aldi), cafés, restaurants and retail chains often publish Aushilfe vacancies on their career pages.
Local Facebook/WhatsApp groups and notice boards at universities or colleges, especially for student Aushilfe jobs.
Prepare a short and focused CV, highlighting any previous Aushilfe experience and practical skills (e.g. customer service, cashier work, warehouse tasks).
In your short cover letter (Kurzbewerbung), clearly state from when you are available and which hours you can work (evenings, weekends, holidays).
Show high flexibility regarding working hours – particularly for evening and weekend shifts, which are in high demand in Aushilfe work.
If you have not received a response after about one week, it is often helpful to follow up politely by phone or e-mail to show your continued interest.
In summary, working as an Aushilfe is a flexible and attractive option for students, people seeking additional income, and those who want temporary employment. Make sure you choose the appropriate type (Minijob vs. short-term job), respect the legal minimum wage and time limits, and comply with all registration and documentation requirements to fully secure your rights. Good luck in your search for an Aushilfe job!
The editorial team of the website makes every effort to provide accurate information based on extensive research and multiple sources. However, errors or changes over time cannot be ruled out. Therefore, the information in this guide should be seen as an initial orientation only; for binding and individual advice, please always consult the competent authorities, social insurance institutions or professional advisors.
