Mindestlohns

Mindestlohns, a form of the genitive of Mindestlohn, is the legally binding minimum wage per hour in Germany. In common usage the term is usually written as Mindestlohn; the possessive form des Mindestlohns appears in grammatical contexts, while the plural form Mindestlohns is rarely used as a stand-alone label.

The legal framework is the Mindestlohngesetz (MiLoG) of 2015. The wage rate is set by a neutral Minimum Wage Commission and is reviewed and adjusted periodically. As of 2024, the statutory minimum wage stands at 12 euros per hour, subject to updates through the commission’s schedule. Compliance is enforced by the Federal Labour Agency and the Zoll (customs administration); violations can require back payments and may lead to penalties for employers.

Scope and exemptions: The minimum wage applies to most employees in Germany, although there are exceptions and special rules for certain groups, such as some trainees, interns, and transitional employment arrangements. Many sectors are covered by collective agreements that guarantee higher wages. The MiLoG provides mechanisms for exemptions, waivers in specific circumstances, and monitoring of wage compliance.

Impact and history: The minimum wage was introduced in 2015 to reduce poverty and raise earnings, with ongoing evaluation of its economic effects. It is designed to be periodically adjusted to reflect labor market conditions and price developments. Debates continue about its impact on employment, wage dispersion, and business costs, but the framework remains a central element of Germany’s labor policy.

See also: Mindestlohn, Mindestlohngesetz.

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