Überstunden-Rechner – Germany Overtime Pay Calculator
Germany Overtime Rules
Law: Arbeitszeitgesetz (Working Time Act)
Standard hours: 40 hours per week
Overtime rate: 1.25x–1.5x (varies by contract/Tarifvertrag)
Sunday work (Sonntagszuschlag) is typically paid at 1.5x–2x. Public holiday work may attract premiums of 1.5x–2.5x.
Overtime Rates at Common Germany Hourly Wages
Based on 1.25x–1.5x (varies by contract/Tarifvertrag) overtime rate. Shows OT hourly rate and pay for 10 extra hours per week.
| Regular Rate | OT Rate (1.25x) | 10 OT Hours Pay |
|---|---|---|
| €14 | €17.50 | €175 |
| €18 | €22.50 | €225 |
| €22 | €27.50 | €275 |
| €25 | €31.25 | €313 |
| €30 | €37.50 | €375 |
| €35 | €43.75 | €438 |
| €45 | €56.25 | €563 |
Germany Overtime Rules by Region
| Type | When | Premium | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard OT | Over 40 hrs/week | 1.25x–1.5x | Set by Tarifvertrag or contract |
| Night work (Nachtarbeit) | 11 PM–6 AM | 25–30% Zuschlag | Tax-free up to 25% |
| Sunday (Sonntagszuschlag) | Any Sunday hours | 50% Zuschlag | Tax-free up to 50% |
| Public holidays (Feiertagszuschlag) | Feiertage | 125–150% Zuschlag | Tax-free up to 125% |
| Freizeitausgleich | Alternative to pay | Time off in lieu | Common in many Tarifverträge |
Additional Rules
The Arbeitszeitgesetz limits the regular working day to 8 hours (max 10 hours if averaged over 6 months). There is no single statutory overtime rate; rates are set by Tarifverträge or individual contracts. Many German workers receive overtime as paid time off (Freizeitausgleich) rather than cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Überstunden means overtime hours in German. These are hours worked beyond the contractually agreed working time, typically 38–40 hours per week.
No. German law does not set a specific overtime rate. Rates are determined by Tarifverträge (collective agreements) or individual employment contracts.
Zuschlag is a premium (surcharge) paid for working outside normal hours – nights, Sundays, and public holidays. Some Zuschläge are tax-free up to certain limits.
Yes. Freizeitausgleich (time off in lieu) is common in Germany and often preferred by both employers and employees.