Festangestellten

Festangestellten is a German term used to describe employees who have a permanent employment contract with an employer. The term contrasts with workers hired on fixed-term contracts, temporary agency assignments, or as freelancers. In most German-speaking contexts, Festangestellte are employed under an indefinite employment contract (unbefristeter Arbeitsvertrag), which provides a stable basis for ongoing work and career planning.

Key characteristics of Festangestellte include access to legal and, in many cases, collective wage agreement benefits such as negotiated pay scales, regular working conditions, and eligibility for social security provisions. They typically receive paid vacation, sick leave, and pension and health insurance coverage through the employer and applicable public systems. Working hours and other terms are usually defined by law, collective agreements, or individual contracts, and the employment relationship is subject to labor-law protections, including notice periods and, in many cases, dismissal protections after a probationary period.

The status and benefits of Festangestellte can vary by country, sector, and company, but the category is widely used in HR, payroll, and labor-market discussions in German-speaking regions. In contrast, non-permanent workers—such as those on fixed-term contracts, temporary staff, or independent contractors—generally do not carry the same level of job security or access to benefits, depending on jurisdiction and contract terms.

Overall, Festangestellte represent a common model of employment that emphasizes long-term relationships between employer and employee, with implications for workforce planning, compensation structures, and social insurance coverage.