Night shift work

Title:
Guide to Night Shift Work (Nachtschicht / Nachtarbeit) in Germany (2025)

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1. Definition of night work (Nachtschicht / Nachtarbeit)

Night work (Nachtarbeit) is defined as any work that includes more than two hours during the night period (§ 2 para. 4 ArbZG) (Gesetze im Internet, Haufe.de News und Fachwissen).

An employee is considered a night worker (Nachtarbeitnehmer) if they either

• regularly work in rotating shifts that cover night hours, or

• work at least 48 nights per year (§ 2 para. 5 ArbZG) (Gesetze im Internet).

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2. Time frame and limits on working hours

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3. Night shift allowance (Nachtzuschlag) and financial compensation

According to § 6 para. 5 ArbZG, employers must grant an appropriate compensation for night work – either as paid time off or as a financial allowance (Haufe.de News und Fachwissen).

Based on the case law of the Federal Labour Court (Bundesarbeitsgericht – BAG):

• The minimum night allowance is generally 25 % of the regular hourly wage.

• According to § 3b EStG, such night allowances may be tax- and social-security-free if they do not exceed 25 % (Arbeitsrechte, Wikipedia).

In the case of permanent night work (Dauernachtarbeit), the BAG has ruled that the allowance can be increased to 30 %.

For hours worked between 00:00 and 04:00, some employers grant 40 % allowances, referencing § 3b EStG (Clockodo).

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4. Protection of special groups

• Minors (< 18 years):
  Night work is generally prohibited between 20:00 and 06:00.
  There are only very limited exceptions, for example:

  • Young people aged 16 or over in multi-shift operations may work up to 23:30,

  • but only after notification of the competent supervisory authority (§ 14 JArbSchG) (arbeitszeit-klug-gestalten.de).

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women:
  They must not be employed between 20:00 and 06:00.
  Work up to 22:00 is only allowed if

  • a risk assessment has been carried out and

  • the supervisory authority has expressly approved the arrangement (§ 5 MuSchG) (buzer.de).

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5. Practical steps and tips for night workers

Clear employment contract

• Make sure you have a written employment contract specifying:

  • your shift pattern, including night hours,

  • the agreed night shift allowance (percentage or fixed amount),

  • your breaks and rest periods.

Check your social insurance registration

• Ensure that you are properly registered with your health insurance fund and social security.

• Working “off the books” in night shifts may lead to loss of rights (no cover in case of accidents, illness, or for pension entitlements) and legal consequences.

Document working hours and allowances

• Keep records of your clock-in/clock-out times and pay slips.

• Check whether the night allowance is correctly shown and paid according to the agreed percentage.

Involve the works council or a trade union

• If your employer

  • refuses to pay a night allowance,

  • does not comply with rest periods,
    contact the works council (Betriebsrat) or a trade union (Gewerkschaft) for support and enforcement of your rights.

Take care of your health

• Night work places extra strain on your physical and mental health, especially your sleep cycle and cardiovascular system.

• Use available occupational health services, and try to maintain:

  • a regular sleep schedule,

  • sufficient recovery phases,

  • a balanced diet and regular exercise.

By following these guidelines, you can make sure your night shift work complies with German labour regulations and that your financial and social rights as a night worker are protected.

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The editorial team strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors or incomplete information may occur. Please regard this article as an initial point of reference and always consult the competent authorities or professional advisers for binding and up-to-date information.