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Break and rest rules checker (NL and DE)

Enter a shift and the break that was taken. The checker compares it with the statutory minimum break and the 11-hour daily rest in the Netherlands (Arbeidstijdenwet) and Germany (Arbeitszeitgesetz).

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Result

  • Working time8:30
  • Minimum break30 min✓ Break meets the statutory minimum.
  • Maximum working time12:00✓

General statutory rules for adult employees only. Collective agreements, sector rules, young workers and night work can differ. This is not legal advice.

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How to check breaks and rest time

  1. Choose the country

    Pick the Netherlands or Germany. The statutory thresholds differ between the two.

  2. Enter the shift

    Enter start, end and the break taken. Overnight shifts are handled automatically.

  3. Add the previous shift end

    Optionally enter when the previous working day ended to check the 11-hour daily rest.

  4. Read the result

    The checker shows working time, the minimum break that applies and whether rest and maximum working time are respected.

Netherlands: Arbeidstijdenwet

Employees aged 18 and over who work more than 5.5 hours are entitled to a break of at least 30 minutes, which may be split into two breaks of 15 minutes. Above 10 hours of work, the minimum is 45 minutes, which may be split into breaks of at least 15 minutes. A collective agreement can deviate, but at least one 15-minute break after 5.5 hours always applies.

After a working day, employees must have at least 11 consecutive hours of rest. Once in every 7 days this may be shortened to 8 hours, if the nature of the work requires it. A shift may last at most 12 hours and a week at most 60 hours.

Germany: Arbeitszeitgesetz (ArbZG)

Under § 4 ArbZG, work of more than 6 and up to 9 hours must be interrupted by breaks totalling at least 30 minutes; more than 9 hours requires at least 45 minutes. Breaks can be split into blocks of at least 15 minutes, and nobody may work more than 6 hours in a row without a break.

§ 5 ArbZG requires an uninterrupted rest period of at least 11 hours after the end of the daily working time, with sector exceptions. § 3 limits working time to 8 hours per working day, which may be extended to 10 hours if the average over six months or 24 weeks stays at 8 hours.

Recording working time

In Germany, the Federal Labour Court (BAG) ruled in 2022 that employers must record their employees' working time. In the Netherlands, employers must keep records that show compliance with the Arbeidstijdenwet. TimeTracking records start, end and breaks per shift and warns planners about rest-time conflicts in the roster.

Official sources

General statutory rules for adult employees only. Collective agreements, sector rules, young workers and night work can differ. This is not legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

How much break do I get for an 8-hour shift in the Netherlands?

Working more than 5.5 hours entitles adult employees to at least 30 minutes of break, which may be split into two breaks of 15 minutes.

How much break is required for 6 hours of work in Germany?

Exactly 6 hours requires no statutory break under § 4 ArbZG. More than 6 hours requires at least 30 minutes, and more than 9 hours at least 45 minutes.

What is the minimum daily rest?

Both countries require at least 11 consecutive hours of rest between working days, with limited exceptions such as one shortening to 8 hours per 7 days in the Netherlands.

Do these rules apply to me?

The checker uses the general statutory rules for adult employees. Collective agreements, sector-specific rules, young workers and night work can have different requirements, so check your contract or ask an expert.

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