How many people work at the weekend in Germany?

Figures released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) to coincide with Tag der Arbeit give an insight into Germany’s weekend workers.

Destatis figures reveal who works at the weekend in Germany

Those with tippy-tappy laptop jobs hail the weekend’s arrival, often forgetting that someone else needs to work so that we can have fun. 

Figures released by Destatis to coincide with Tag der Arbeit (May Day or Labour Day) on May 1 have revealed that 27 percent of Germany’s population works outside the regular Monday to Friday grind. 

Hospitality workers are overrepresented in this group. According to the 2023 figures, 70 percent of hospitality staff work on weekends. Employees in the arts and entertainment industry are the second-largest group of weekend workers (55 percent), followed by trade and automotive workshop employees (47 percent), agriculture (41 percent), healthcare (39 percent) and transportation (38 percent).

While 25 percent of workers in Germany are on shift on Saturdays, this falls to 15 percent on Sundays, when shops and supermarkets are closed across the country. Just 6 percent of workers are on shift during public holidays (Feiertage).

What are the benefits of working irregular hours in Germany?

Working irregular hours can be a pain; while everyone is drinking their Feierabend beer, you might be just clocking in.

But there are some advantages to having irregular working hours in Germany. While Saturday is treated like a normal working day, those who work on Sundays and public holidays are entitled to other benefits.

All employers in Germany must give their employees at least 15 Sundays off work each year. If you do work on Sundays, you should be paid 50 percent extra, and this extra income will not be subject to tax. You must also be given a replacement rest day shortly afterwards.

Employees who work on public holidays are entitled to 125 percent extra pay, which is not taxed. On December 24 and 31, this only applies to the hours worked after 2pm.