Arbeitnehmers

Arbeitnehmers is the genitive form of the German noun Arbeitnehmer and appears in texts to indicate possession or relation, such as the rights of the Arbeitnehmer des Arbeitnehmers. In common usage, the term Arbeitnehmer refers to a person who works for an employer under a contract of employment. The article uses the neutral term Arbeitnehmer to describe employees in German-speaking countries.

In Germany, an Arbeitnehmer is defined by an individual employment relationship, typically governed by a contract of employment. Key legal foundations include the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) with section 611a, which establishes the basic obligations of both employer and employee. The broader legal framework also includes the Arbeitsrecht (labor law), the Arbeitszeitgesetz (working hours), the Kündigungsschutzgesetz (dismissal protection), and anti-discrimination provisions under the Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (AGG). Social security matters are regulated by the Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB), covering health insurance, pension insurance, unemployment insurance, and long-term care insurance. Collective agreements (Tarifverträge) and works councils (Betriebsräte) also shape working conditions in many establishments.

Rights and duties of Arbeitnehmer typically include the obligation to perform work as agreed, follow instructions within reasonable limits, and maintain confidentiality and loyalty. In return, they receive remuneration, paid holidays (at minimum 20 days per year for a five-day week in Germany), protection from unlawful dismissal, a safe workplace, and access to social security benefits. Equal treatment and protection against discrimination are central, along with provisions for parental leave, vacation, and training opportunities. The employment relationship can be terminated under statutory rules, with notice periods and, in some cases, dismissal protection.

See also: Arbeitnehmer, Arbeitsvertrag, Tarifvertrag, Betriebsverfassungsgesetz.