Working Time Act in Multi-Employment: Calculating the 48-Hour Week Correctly – Examples & Fines
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Working for multiple employers is governed by Germany's Working Time Act (ArbZG) -- which adds up all working hours regardless of employer. Violations cost up to EUR 30,000 per case, void the last employment contract, and expose managing directors to personal liability.
The Key Rules
| Rule | Limit | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Daily working time | 8 hours (exceptionally 10) | Section 3 ArbZG |
| Weekly working time | Average 48 hours | Section 3 ArbZG |
| Rest period | Minimum 11 hours | Section 5 ArbZG |
| Compensation period | 6 calendar months / 24 weeks | Section 3 ArbZG |
Example 1: Main Job 39.5 h + Side Job 14 h
Total: 53.5 h/week -- 5.5 h over the limit. Violation of Section 3 ArbZG.
Example 2: Rest Period Violation
Main job ends 22:00, side job starts 08:00 next day = 10 hours rest. One hour below the 11-hour minimum = violation of Section 5 ArbZG.
Example 3: Legal 10-Hour Exception
5 weeks at 50 h + 3 weeks at 30 h = average 42.5 h over 8 weeks. Legal, provided the 6-month compensation window is respected.
Fine Schedule under Section 22 ArbZG
| Violation | Fine (per employee) |
|---|---|
| Daily time > 10 h (first hour) | EUR 80 |
| Daily time > 10 h (each further 30 min) | EUR 100 |
| Rest period < 11 h | EUR 80 per hour |
| Average > 8 h/weekday | EUR 600 per hour |
| No time recording | EUR 1,600 per case |
| Missed break | EUR 400 per break |
How Jowomo Checks the 48-Hour Rule Automatically
The Jowomo Compliance Wizard aggregates all registered employers and clients, monitors weekly/daily totals, rest periods, and the 6-month compensation window, and displays a traffic-light status in real time.
Want your total working hours checked automatically? [Create your free Jowomo profile](https://www.jowomo.com/auth) and use the Compliance Wizard.
Sources: Sections 2, 3, 5, 9, 16, 22 ArbZG; Section 8 TzBfG; Section 139 BGB; Haufe Personal 2025.