Teilzeit (part-time work) means agreed hours below those of a comparable full-time employee. Under § 8 TzBfG, employees in establishments that normally have more than 15 workers can, after more than six months, claim a permanent reduction, which the employer may refuse only on operational grounds. Brückenteilzeit under § 9a TzBfG allows a fixed reduction of one to five years with a return to the earlier hours. § 4 TzBfG bars treating part-timers worse than full-timers.
At a glance
- Right to a permanent reduction under § 8 TzBfG: in establishments that normally have more than 15 employees, after more than six months of employment
- The employer may refuse only on operational grounds; the request must be made at least three months in advance, in text form (Textform)
- Brückenteilzeit (§ 9a TzBfG): a fixed reduction of one to five years with a guaranteed return to the previous hours, usually only from more than 45 employees
- Employees who later want to increase their hours again must be given priority when suitable vacancies are filled (§ 9 TzBfG)
- Part-timers must not be treated worse than full-timers (§ 4 TzBfG); entitlements such as leave are calculated pro rata
Brückenteilzeit or open-ended Teilzeit?
- Open-ended Teilzeit: hours stay reduced permanently, with no automatic return to full time
- Brückenteilzeit: time-limited from the outset, after which the employee returns to the previous hours; it applies only in larger establishments and with reasonableness limits by size
- Either way, the request must be raised in good time and in text form
FAQ
Can the employer refuse a part-time request?
Yes, but only on operational grounds, for example where the organisation, workflow or safety would be materially impaired or disproportionate costs would arise. A blanket "doesn't suit us" is not enough. If the employer does not respond in time, the reduction can be deemed granted.
How does Brückenteilzeit differ from ordinary Teilzeit?
Ordinary Teilzeit is permanent, with no automatic right to return to full time. Brückenteilzeit is time-limited from the start and guarantees the return to the earlier hours, but it is only available in larger establishments.
How does part-time affect leave and pay?
Pro rata: fewer working days mean proportionally fewer leave days, and pay follows the reduced hours. Treating someone worse purely because they work part-time is not allowed.
Can employees increase their hours again later?
There is an automatic right to return to full time only after Brückenteilzeit. Otherwise, employees who want to increase their hours must be given priority when suitable vacancies are filled.
Last updated: August 2026
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice in individual cases.
