German work week comprises 35 to 40 hours

Generally, the German work week comprises 35 to 40 hours.
The maximum work week allowed by the German Working
Hours Act (Arbeitszeitgesetz – ArbZG) is 48 hours. Working
hours during working days may not exceed eight hours. How-
ever, they can be extended to ten hours if the average shift
within six months or 24 weeks does not exceed eight hours per
working day.

Generally, any time worked in excess of the contractually agreed
working time (overtime) has to be compensated. Overtime is
usually paid on an hourly basis calculated on the basis of the
monthly or annual salary. Alternatively, the employer can reserve
the right to grant time-off as compensation for overtime. The
employer is not obliged to pay an overtime premium. However,
many collective bargaining agreements (Tarifverträge) provide for
such premiums.