Minimum Wage in Germany in 2025: What You Need to Know

What’s the Minimum Wage in Germany — and How Does It Affect You?

If you're working in Germany or planning to hire someone, there's one number you can’t afford to ignore: the minimum wage.

Germany introduced its nationwide minimum wage relatively recently compared to other countries — in 2015 — but since then, it’s become a cornerstone of the country’s labor laws. And as of 2025, there are key updates that affect full-time employees, part-timers, interns, freelancers, and even mini-jobbers.

Whether you’re a worker trying to understand your rights, or an employer trying to stay compliant, this guide breaks down exactly what you need to know.

The Minimum Wage in Germany in 2025

As of January 1, 2025, the statutory minimum wage in Germany is €12.41 per hour.

This applies across all federal states and sectors, unless a specific industry has a higher negotiated rate through collective agreements.

Who sets this number?

The wage is decided by the Minimum Wage Commission (Mindestlohnkommission), which includes representatives from trade unions, employer groups, and neutral economists. They review it every two years based on inflation, employment rates, and productivity.

Who Is Entitled to the Minimum Wage?

The €12.41 hourly minimum applies to almost all employees in Germany, including:

• Full-time workers

• Part-time workers

• Temporary workers

• Contract workers

• Minijobbers (with hour limits based on the €538/month cap)

But there are some key exceptions:

🚫 Not Covered by Minimum Wage:

• Interns (in certain training-only roles or for less than 3 months)

• Volunteers

• Apprentices (Azubis) under formal dual education programs

• Self-employed freelancers

• Long-term unemployed individuals (for the first 6 months of re-employment)

Monthly Salary: What Does €12.41/hr Mean in Practice?

For a full-time job (40 hours/week), the minimum monthly gross salary comes to approximately:

• €12.41 × 40 hrs/week × 4.33 weeks/month ≈ €2,147/month gross

Of course, taxes and social contributions will reduce the net salary, but this gives you a base for calculating minimum wage compliance.

Mini Jobs and the €538 Monthly Threshold

Mini-jobs are low-wage, part-time positions where the monthly income is capped at €538/month (as of 2025). Because of the rising hourly wage, the number of hours mini-jobbers can work is now limited to about 43 hours/month.

Employers must carefully track hours to avoid exceeding the mini-job classification, which would trigger full social security obligations.

Sector-Specific Minimum Wages

Certain sectors have collectively agreed minimum wages (Tarifverträge) that exceed the national standard. Examples include:

• Construction

• Nursing & elderly care

• Cleaning services

• Electrical trades

• Security services

These rates are legally binding and published by the Federal Ministry of Labor. Employers in these industries must comply — even if they pay above €12.41 nationally.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Number

Germany’s minimum wage isn’t just about economics — it’s about dignity, fairness, and ensuring the labor market works for everyone.

Whether you're earning it, offering it, or navigating a gray area in between, the €12.41/hr minimum wage forms the baseline of work in Germany. Knowing how it applies — and when it doesn’t — is key to avoiding costly mistakes and standing up for your rights.