Wages are generally subject to individual negotiation in Germany. However, a general minimum wage applies. The minimum wage amounts to EUR 12.00 as of October 2022. Higher minimum wages must be set in certain industries (e.g. those with universally applicable collective wage agreements).
There are also general exemptions from the national minimum wage. For instance, the following group categories are not covered by the minimum wage regulation:
-
Young people under 18 years of age
-
Students completing compulsory internships or other internships for up to three months
-
Long-term unemployed (one year or longer) for the first six months in employment
Bonuses
Bonuses only have to be granted if they have been agreed in the individual employment contracts or in collective agreements.
