Definition
Part-time work means working fewer hours on a regular basis than a comparable full-time employee. In companies with more than 15 employees, staff are entitled to reduce their working hours after six months’ service – provided there are no compelling operational reasons to the contrary. The request must be made in writing at least three months before the desired start date; if the employer does not respond in time, the request is deemed to have been approved. In addition, there is ‘bridging part-time work’: in companies with 45 or more employees, staff can reduce their hours for one to five years and then automatically return to their previous working hours. Part-time employees must not be treated less favourably than full-time staff because of their reduced hours.
Specialist solicitor in employment law
Over 15 years’ experience in employment law
Classification under employment law
Employees in companies with more than 15 staff members are entitled to a reduction in working hours after six months’ service (Section 8 of the German Part-Time and Fixed-Term Employment Act), provided there are no pressing operational reasons to the contrary. Since 2019, there has also been an entitlement to bridging part-time work with a right to return.
Distinction from related terms
Bridge part-time work: Bridge part-time work is a fixed-term part-time arrangement with a statutory right to return to the original working hours. ‘Normal’ part-time work under the TzBfG is generally of indefinite duration.
Marginal employment (mini-job): A mini-job is defined by an earnings threshold. Part-time work, by contrast, merely describes a reduced working time, regardless of remuneration.
Practical tip
Submit your request to work part-time in writing and in good time – at least three months before your desired start date. If your employer does not respond within the specified time limit, your request is deemed to have been approved. This is a frequently overlooked but highly effective mechanism.
