An internship (Praktikum) is a temporary placement for gaining practical experience. Whether the minimum wage applies depends on whether it is a mandatory internship (Pflichtpraktikum, required by school or study rules) or a voluntary one: voluntary internships become subject to the minimum wage after more than three months, while mandatory and orientation internships of up to three months are exempt (§ 22 MiLoG). Parts of vocational training law apply to interns under § 26 BBiG.
At a glance
- Mandatory internships (Pflichtpraktika) required by school or study regulations are exempt from the minimum wage (§ 22 MiLoG)
- Orientation internships of up to three months are likewise exempt
- Voluntary internships (freiwillige Praktika) become subject to the minimum wage once they last more than three months (currently 13.90 euros per hour, as of 2026)
- Parts of vocational training law apply to interns within the meaning of § 26 BBiG, for example on pay and references
- The essential content of the internship must be documented in writing (Nachweispflicht)
- A placement labelled an internship but in fact an ordinary employment relationship triggers full employee rights
Pflichtpraktikum and freiwilliges Praktikum
- Pflichtpraktikum: required by school, study or training regulations; no minimum wage obligation, regardless of duration
- Freiwilliges Praktikum: not required; exempt for up to three months, then subject to the minimum wage from the first day of the fourth month
- If a duration of more than three months was intended from the outset, the minimum wage applies from day one
FAQ
Does an internship have to be paid?
Not necessarily. Pflichtpraktika and orientation internships of up to three months are exempt from the minimum wage. Voluntary internships of more than three months are subject to it. Employers may of course pay voluntarily in any case.
When does an internship become an employment relationship?
If the usable work performance, rather than learning, is the main focus, there is a strong indication of a disguised employment relationship. The label "Praktikum" is sometimes used to conceal a cheap employment relationship. What matters is how the placement is actually carried out; if it is really an employment relationship, full employee rights apply, including the minimum wage.
What applies to interns under § 26 BBiG?
This covers people engaged to acquire occupational knowledge without a formal vocational training in the narrower sense. Certain provisions of the Vocational Training Act apply to them accordingly, for example on appropriate pay and on references.
Does the minimum wage apply from the first or the fourth month?
For a voluntary internship of more than three months, the minimum wage obligation starts on the first day of the fourth month. If a longer duration was agreed from the outset, the minimum wage applies from day one.
Last updated: August 2026
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice in individual cases.
