Notice on break rules under section 4 ArbZG
One sheet for the notice board: the statutory break times large and legible, plus the rules most often overlooked in daily work.
- The three tiers from section 4 ArbZG, large and at a glance
- Splitting into segments of at least 15 minutes explained
- A note on the eleven-hour rest period under section 5 ArbZG
- Stricter rules for young people under section 11 JArbSchG
What is in the template?
Ready to use, with formulas, sample data and a legend.
- The three tiers from section 4 ArbZG, large and at a glance
- Splitting into segments of at least 15 minutes explained
- A note on the eleven-hour rest period under section 5 ArbZG
- Stricter rules for young people under section 11 JArbSchG
- A blank line for the break times at your business
When does the template fit?
Ideal as an interim solution or for small teams, with clear limits.
- A notice for the break room, kitchen or workshop
- An attachment to the instruction of new employees
- A basis for the conversation about breaks worked through
A notice informs. It stops nobody from working through.
The break that was not taken appears in no spreadsheet, but in a dispute it appears in the file. MetronHR checks the recorded time against section 4 ArbZG, points out the missing break while it can still be corrected and documents what actually happened.
In comparison
Excel template
Manual upkeep • no workflows • no reminders • copy anew for every employee
MetronHR
Automatic calculations • approval workflow • reminders • one central source for the whole team
Frequently asked questions
Answers on usage and legal aspects.
At more than six and up to nine hours of working time at least 30 minutes, at more than nine hours at least 45 minutes (section 4 ArbZG). Nobody may be employed for more than six hours in a row without a rest break.
Yes, into segments of at least 15 minutes each. Three breaks of ten minutes each do not meet the requirement.
In principle no, because a rest break is not working time. It is different where a collective agreement, works agreement or employment contract provides otherwise. Anyone who has to remain available during the break is not taking a rest break but is on standby, and that time is working time.
Under section 11 of the Youth Employment Protection Act at least 30 minutes for working time of more than four and a half up to six hours, and at least 60 minutes for more than six hours. Only an interruption of at least 15 minutes counts as a rest break, and it must fall no earlier than one hour after the start and no later than one hour before the end of the working time.
The Working Time Act requires a copy of the act and the applicable collective and works agreements on working time to be displayed at a suitable place in the business (section 16 (1) ArbZG). An additional notice with the break times is not required, but in practice it is the simplest way to avoid disputes.
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