All cases
Working hours

"You're working six days this week."

Monday to Saturday at work because things are busy.

§ 15 JArbSchG / § 3 ArbZG

It depends …
Under 18: five days at most. From 18: only with compensation.
Minors may only be employed on five days a week; the two days off should be consecutive if possible (§ 15 JArbSchG). Anyone who has to work on Saturday (only allowed in certain industries) gets another day off that week (§ 16 (3) JArbSchG). For adults, working days under the Working Hours Act are Monday to Saturday; up to 48 hours a week are allowed (6 × 8 hours). If your training contract says five days a week, however, every sixth day is additional work and must be paid or compensated with time off (§ 17 (7) BBiG).

What the law says

§ 15 JArbSchG – Five-day week
Young people may only be employed on five days a week. The two weekly rest days should be consecutive where possible.
§ 3 ArbZG – Working time
Daily working time on working days may not exceed eight hours; working days are Monday to Saturday.
§ 17 (7) BBiG – Additional work
Employment beyond the agreed regular training time must be specially paid or compensated with time off.

What you can do

  1. Check your training contract: it states how many days a week are agreed.
  2. Under 18: a sixth working day is not allowed — say so politely but clearly.
  3. From 18: get written confirmation of when you can take the extra day off.
  4. Record every extra day with its hours in your time sheet.
Email template for your trainer

More cases: Working hours