Apprentice rights at a glance: the essentials from the BBiG
As an apprentice you have special rights, anchored in the Vocational Training Act (BBiG), the Youth Employment Protection Act (JArbSchG) and the Working Hours Act (ArbZG) . Your trainer is obliged to give you only tasks that serve the training purpose (§ 14 BBiG). Overtime must be paid or compensated with time off. If you fall ill, you're entitled to 6 weeks of continued pay. For exams you get paid time off – and your vacation may not be counted against it.
This rights checker helps you quickly find out, in concrete situations, what your boss is and isn't allowed to do. Each scenario contains the relevant statutory provisions, practical tips and a ready-made email template so you can raise your concern politely and on a sound legal basis.
Important laws for apprentices
- BBiG – Vocational Training Act: Governs the entire apprenticeship (duties, pay, termination, certificate)
- JArbSchG – Youth Employment Protection Act: Special protection for underage apprentices (working hours, breaks, night work)
- ArbZG – Working Hours Act: Maximum working hours and rest breaks for adult apprentices
- BUrlG – Federal Leave Act: Minimum entitlement to paid recreational leave
- AGG – General Equal Treatment Act: Protection against discrimination in the workplace
- EntgFG – Continued Remuneration Act: Continued pay in case of illness