Werktage

Werktage is a term used in German-speaking regions and in Dutch contexts to denote days on which work is normally performed. It is commonly used to calculate deadlines, processing times, and service levels in business, administration, and commerce. Although the concept is similar across countries, the exact definition can vary by jurisdiction and contract.

In many contexts, Werktage correspond to the weekdays Monday through Friday, excluding weekends. Saturdays are sometimes treated as working days in certain industries or jurisdictions, but in standard administrative usage they are not counted as Werktage. Sundays are typically non-working days. Public holidays and regional holidays are generally not counted as Werktage, and they can extend deadlines accordingly.

Counting rules for deadlines usually specify that Werktage are intended to exclude weekends and holidays. For example, a statement like “innerhalb von fünf Werktagen” means five business days, starting after a relevant notice or event, with weekends and holidays skipped. If a deadline falls on a holiday, it is commonly moved to the next non-holiday Werktag.

Practical use of Werktage appears in contracts, banking, shipping, and public administration. Different countries and organizations may publish their own holiday calendars and may define whether Saturdays count as Werktage in specific service agreements. When exact timing matters, it is advisable to consult the applicable law, contract, or service terms to determine whether a given day is considered a Werktag.