Germany · § 4 ArbZG

Break Rules in Germany

How long is the mandatory break, when does it apply, and is it paid? Germany's Working Time Act (Arbeitszeitgesetz, ArbZG) sets clear rules based purely on the length of your shift.

The statutory break at a glance

Daily working timeMinimum breakMay be split into
up to 6 hoursnone required–
more than 6 to 9 hours30 minutes2 × 15 minutes
more than 9 hours45 minutes3 × 15 minutes

Worked example: 08:00 to 17:00

From 08:00 to 17:00 the attendance is 9 hours (gross). Because the working time exceeds 6 hours, at least 30 minutes must be deducted, giving a net working time of 8 hours 30 minutes (8.5 decimal hours). The 45-minute rule only starts once the shift passes 9 hours — for example 08:00 to 17:30.

Key points

  • The break must be fixed in advance and genuinely interrupt the work.
  • It cannot be moved to the start or end of the shift (no "arrive late, leave early").
  • No one may work more than 6 hours without a break (§ 4 sentence 3 ArbZG).
  • Statutory breaks are unpaid and do not count toward working time.
  • Young workers (under 18) have stricter rules under the JArbSchG (30 min from 4.5h, 60 min over 6h).

Working time in Germany

German working hours calculator→ Overtime in Germany→ German public holidays→ Pausenrechner (auf Deutsch)→

Frequently asked questions

Under § 4 of the Working Time Act (ArbZG), a shift of more than 6 hours requires at least 30 minutes of unpaid break, and more than 9 hours requires 45 minutes. A shift of 6 hours or less requires no statutory break.
No. Statutory rest breaks under § 4 ArbZG are unpaid and do not count as working time. They are deducted from gross attendance time to reach net (paid) working hours.
Yes. The break can be divided into blocks of at least 15 minutes each. Two 15-minute blocks satisfy the 30-minute requirement, and three satisfy the 45-minute one.
No. The break must genuinely interrupt the work and cannot be placed at the start or end of the shift. Nobody may work more than 6 hours without a break, and the employer is legally required to ensure compliance.
Yes. For employees under 18 the Youth Employment Protection Act (Jugendarbeitsschutzgesetz, JArbSchG) is stricter: at least 30 minutes for 4.5–6 hours of work, and at least 60 minutes for more than 6 hours.
No. Short personal breaks are not rest breaks under § 4 ArbZG. They interrupt working time and are usually clocked out and unpaid, unless a works agreement provides otherwise.

Note: This calculator and its content offer general guidance based on the assumptions given and do not constitute legal advice. The applicable statute, collective agreement and employment contract prevail.