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Can my German hospital force me to work unpaid overtime or endless night shifts?
Anonymous Nurse
Asked on August 13, 2026
Verified Expert Answer
A Expert Answer
No. Germany has incredibly strict labor laws. Your standard working week is 38.5 to 40 hours. Night shifts (Nachtschicht) come with significant mandatory tax-free bonuses (up to 30% extra pay). Unpaid overtime is virtually illegal; all overtime must be paid out or given as compensatory time off (Freizeitausgleich).
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