Working in Germany
Latest news and need-to-know information from Germany on work culture, workers' rights, workplace etiquette and rules, trade unions, taxes, salaries, and more.
Are young people in Germany better off in a traineeship or university programme?
Unemployment rates are rising among graduates in Germany while traineeships, for jobs facing a shortage of workers, are increasingly vacant. So has vocational training become the better bet for job security?
The 'special' days when workers in Germany can get paid time off
It's not just for vacations or sick leave: there are many situations in Germany where you can take paid time off. We break them down.
Why launching a career is getting harder in Germany
New figures suggest the number of entry-level jobs in Germany is falling rapidly in some sectors. Here's what that means for international professionals, students and parents raising children here.
'Get curious': Expert advice on how to change careers in Germany
With AI, economic shifts and a tightening job market making traditional roles feel less secure, many internationals are looking for a fresh start. We spoke to an expert about how to successfully switch careers in Germany.
Immigrants plug Germany's crucial work shortages from kitchens to hospitals
More than half of cooks in Germany had an immigration background in 2025, as well as about a third of all nurses and dental assistants.
Can Germany save its car industry as job cuts intensify?
The move to electric vehicles is accelerating, yet Germany's biggest manufacturers are cutting jobs and losing ground to competitors. Here's why workers are worried and where new opportunities may emerge.
'Germany is 40 years behind': Foreigners share their struggle getting qualifications recognised
German authorities are reportedly recognising foreigners' qualifications at break-neck speeds. We asked readers how the process was for them.
Can you be sacked in Germany for a workplace romance?
Germany's strict protections of personal freedom and privacy extend to the workplace, limiting employers' ability to interfere with office romances, but there are some rules to be aware of.
What to do in Germany if you experience workplace discrimination
Figures released this week suggest workplace discrimination is becoming more common in Germany. If you experience it, knowing your rights and acting quickly can make a significant difference.
Three hard truths for Indians thinking about moving to Germany
Many students and young professionals pay up to €20,000 to migrate to Germany, only to find themselves trapped in an illegal gig economy. We spoke to a labour expert in Berlin who shared the reality check you need, before you book a flight.
'Faire Integration': Where foreign workers in Germany can get free workplace advice
In an exclusive interview with The Local, experts from 'Faire Integration' discuss Germany’s free and multilingual service to help foreign workers understand their rights – and stop problems at work from spiralling out of control.
Can Germany still attract foreign workers as skilled labour shortages spike?
A shrinking population, retiring baby boomers and falling immigration are combining to deepen Germany's labour crisis. Eastern states in particular face big gaps, just as far-right politics push potential workers away.
Work and Stay: Will Germany’s flagship immigration agency change anything?
Germany promised a one-stop solution to visa delays, paperwork and bureaucratic confusion. Nearly a year after unveiling the plan, The Local has learned that officials are still debating basic questions about how it should function.
Foreign workers earn nearly a quarter less than Germans
New government figures show foreign workers earn more than €1,000 a month less than German employees on average. But the numbers tell a more complicated story than some politicians claim.
How can you stay in Germany after graduating from university?
Foreign students who graduate a German university program qualify for specialised residence permits designed to give you plenty of time to find a job and launch your career. Here's how to stay.
COMPARE: How does your salary stack up against Germany's top earners?
What do you need to earn to be considered a top earner in Germany? New government data shows where your salary stands compared to the rest of the population.
Germany recognises record number of foreign qualifications
More foreign qualifications are being recognised in Germany than ever before, but despite its best efforts to get more and more immigrant workers into the labour force, growth appears to be slowing.
What happens to my unemployment benefit if I miss an appointment in Germany?
When Germany reformed its primary long-term unemployment benefit, it tightened the rules for missing appointments at Jobcenters. Here's what 'Basic Income Support' recipients should know.
Millions of workers in Germany are earning less than minimum wage
Of six million minimum wage workers in Germany, roughly two million are not taking home as much pay as they are legally entitled to, according to calculations by the Trade Union Confederation.
Can I be paid in Germany for any holiday I don't take?
Would you rather have a month's worth of paid vacation or an additional month's salary? Some workers in Germany might prefer to take at least part of their holiday as a bonus rather than time away, but there are limits to when it's possible.
How Indians in Germany are being exploited in the workforce
While Germany benefits from a surge of incoming students and skilled workers from South Asia, and especially India, many new arrivals end up in exploitative jobs. Immigration and labour researcher Aju John says that's not an accident, it's by design.
What are Germany's rules on sick leave from work – and how will they change?
Germany has vowed to tighten the rules around being off sick from work, with plans to require doctor's notes from employees on the first day of illness. Here's what looks set to change – and what is still uncertain.
EXPLAINED: Germany's rules for working during heatwaves
With high temperatures well above 30C in much of Germany this week, you might be wondering how hot is too hot to go to work or even to work from home? Here’s what workers should know.