Working as a Working Student in Germany
As a working student (Werkstudent), you are subject to specific regulations in Germany designed to ensure that your studies remain your primary focus. Therefore, working hours are limited during the semester so that you have sufficient time to attend lectures, seminars, and other university events.
Working Hour Regulations During the Semester
During the lecture period, a 20-hour weekly limit applies. This restriction is intended to prevent your employment from interfering with your studies. These working hours must be distributed across weekdays (Monday to Friday) between 08:00 AM and 08:00 PM. This means that during the regular work week, you may work a maximum of 20 hours within this specific time window.
Exemptions: Exceeding the 20-Hour Limit
However, there is the possibility to exceed the 20-hour limit under certain circumstances. This exception applies for 26 weeks per year, during which you are allowed to work more than 20 hours per week. Nevertheless, strict requirements apply regarding when these additional hours can be worked:
Additional working time is only permitted outside of regular hours, meaning:
After 08:00 PM in the evening,
Before 08:00 AM in the morning,
Or on weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
This regulation acknowledges that working students may work more during the semester, provided it occurs outside of typical lecture and business hours. The reasoning is that this additional work does not conflict with your academic obligations.
Regulations During Semester Breaks
During the semester break (the official lecture-free period), you are exempt from the 20-hour rule. During this time, you may work more without being bound by the aforementioned limits. This means you can work full-time during the break, an opportunity many students use to earn extra money.
However, it is important to note that you can only maintain your "working student" status as long as your studies remain the priority and the intensive employment is only temporary. Otherwise, there could be social security consequences, as you might be classified as a regular employee subject to full social security contributions if the working student regulations no longer apply.
Social Security Aspects
As a working student, you are generally exempt from social security contributions for health, long-term care, and unemployment insurance, provided you adhere to the 20-hour limit during the semester and your studies are considered your primary activity. However, this exemption does not apply to pension insurance, which you must contribute to even as a working student. If you work more than 20 hours per week (outside of the exceptions), you could be classified as a regular employee, which may lead to higher social security contributions.