Leihstatus

Leihstatus is a German term that describes the current state of something that is lent or borrowed. The exact meaning depends on the context, but it generally refers to the status of a loaned object, person, or asset within a lending relationship.

In libraries, archives and museums, Leihstatus indicates whether an item is currently on loan, returned, overdue, or available for loan. It typically includes information such as the due date, borrower identifier, the item’s location, and any restrictions on lending. The term is used in inventory and circulation systems to manage loans, enforce deadlines, and track assets.

In the labor market, Leihstatus commonly relates to Leiharbeit or temporary agency work. It denotes the contractual and legal position of a temporary worker, i.e., whether the worker is employed by the lending agency and loaned out to a customer, or has a different arrangement. The Leihstatus has implications for wage rights, social security contributions, and adherence to working conditions, as governed by applicable national law and collective agreements. In Germany, the Arbeitnehmerüberlassungsgesetz (AÜG) and related regulations address issues such as equal pay and assignment duration for such workers.

Beyond books and labor, Leihstatus may be used in asset management to describe the status of borrowed equipment, tools, or vehicles, facilitating tracking, maintenance scheduling, and return deadlines. Because the term is not a fixed legal designation, its precise definition and requirements vary by country, sector, and organizational context.