Germany's long-held misconception of the 'idle German': notable surge in work hours per employee
Germans are reportedly working more hours per capita than before, with the hours worked per capita as high as they've been since reunification. This trend, however, is not solely attributed to government action, but rather a complex interplay of factors.
One key factor influencing working hours is the increase in the minimum wage, which was recently raised to EUR 12.82 per hour in 2025 and is planned to reach EUR 14.60 per hour by 2027. This increase may create incentives for workers to put in more hours to maintain or improve their income levels, especially as labor costs rise for employers and full-time engagement remains prevalent.
Traditionally, Germany has relatively shorter average working hours—around 36 to 40 hours per week for full-time jobs, with strong legal protections and a cultural emphasis on work-life balance. However, economic pressures and labor market shifts might be nudging overall hours worked upward.
Experts, such as from the Germanwatch climate NGO or economists surveyed by ifo, highlight that government economic policies under Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s administration seem focused on preserving traditional industrial strengths rather than fully embracing growth markets from energy transition technologies or decisively reforming economic conditions. This approach could indirectly affect labor market dynamics, encouraging more work hours in established sectors rather than reductions from efficiency gains or flexible work models.
Despite these increased working hours, the German economy faces challenges such as rising unemployment (nearly 3 million unemployed in July 2025) and modest inflation, with firms hesitant to create new jobs. This economic environment might also influence workers to increase their hours to secure their jobs or income amid uncertainty.
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While the specific reason for the high hours worked per capita in Germany remains unclear, it appears to be a complex interplay of wage policy, economic conditions, and sectoral transitions. No explicit single expert consensus blames increased hours mainly on government action alone; rather, it appears to be a multi-faceted issue.
This development might come as a surprise given the common perception that Germans work too little. However, the data shows a different story, with Germans, on average, working as much as they have since the reunification of Germany.
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