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Part-Time Jobs for Students in Baden-Württemberg, Germany: Key Regulations
Students in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, have the opportunity to work part-time, with certain age, working hour, employment contract, occupational safety, vacation, insurance, and minimum wage regulations to consider.
Age
To be eligible for part-time work, students must meet the legal minimum age for employment in Germany, which is generally 15 years old. However, full-time student jobs usually require at least 16 years of age.
Working Hours
During the academic term, students are typically allowed to work up to 20 hours per week to maintain student status and avoid higher social security contributions. Work during semester breaks can be full-time. The total allowed working time is limited to 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
Employment Contract
Part-time jobs require a formal contract outlining work hours, pay, and job duties. Common types of student work contracts include Minijob (income up to €556/month, limited social security) and Werkstudent positions (income above €556/month, social security contributions apply).
Occupational Safety
Employers must comply with German occupational health and safety laws, ensuring safe working conditions for students. Students are entitled to training and protective measures on the job.
Vacation
Students working part-time jobs are entitled to paid vacation proportionate to their working hours, typically aligned with statutory minimums—approximately 20 days per year for full-time employment scaled down for part-time.
Insurance
Students are exempt from certain social security contributions (health, care, unemployment insurance) under the "Working Student Privilege" while working part-time up to 20 hours/week during the semester. However, pension insurance contributions are usually mandatory but reduced.
Minimum Wage
As of 2025, the minimum wage in Germany is €12.82 per hour, which applies to student part-time workers as well.
Other Regulations
- Work on weekends is not allowed, except in catering, care, or agriculture for those aged 15 and above.
- The minimum wage applies only to full-time part-time workers, currently 12.82 euros gross per hour.
- An employment relationship, even for short-term or seasonal employment, must be documented in writing according to German labor law.
- Employers must ensure compliance with permitted working hours, break regulations, and annual working hours for part-time workers.
- Employers must provide protective clothing if the activity requires it for part-time workers.
- Part-time workers are automatically insured against accidents as soon as they start working.
- Those aged 13 to 15 can work a maximum of two hours daily between 8 am and 6 pm.
- A collective agreement may apply to the remuneration of part-time workers.
- A written documentation of the essential contract conditions of the employment relationship is mandatory, and for minors, this must be signed by their parents.
- For adults, the maximum working hours is eight hours per day, with exceptions up to ten hours.
- Employers must verify the age of part-time workers.
- There is usually no vacation entitlement for part-time workers who work for less than a month.
- Employers can agree on the wage freely for part-time workers, but it must be "appropriate".
- Those under 18 years old and without completed vocational training have no claim to the statutory minimum wage.
- Part-time jobs are not allowed for those under 13 years old.
In summary, students in Baden-Württemberg can legally work part-time with a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic term, have contracts that reflect their employment type (Minijob or Werkstudent), receive minimum wage pay of €12.82/hour, and benefit from certain social security exemptions while being covered by occupational health and safety regulations and entitled to proportionate paid vacation. Employers must adhere to the outlined regulations to ensure a safe and fair working environment for student employees.
- For students in Baden-Württemberg seeking part-time employment, they can find suitable jobs in various sectors such as home-and-garden, shopping, employment, and even secure deals-and-discounts while working.
- Balancing part-time work with academic commitments can significantly improve a student's lifestyle, while providing opportunities to earn money, gain work experience, and indulge in shopping or other hobbies.
