Imagine you’re preparing for an interview for a working student or internship role. You’ve done your homework, and then the hiring manager asks if you have any questions. Should you ask about the pay? You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Here’s why: first, companies usually have set rates for these roles, and second, you’re about to find out what you could earn!
Duration & Time Commitment
Let’s talk about how long these roles usually last and the time commitment involved.
Internships in Germany typically range from three to nine months and are usually full-time, around 40 hours a week. There are two main types of internships:
- Mandatory internships – required by your university or program.
- Voluntary internships – which you can pursue independently.
Tip: If you’re eager for hands-on experience, consider taking a semester off for a full-time internship! I did this during my master’s degree, extending it by six months for a voluntary internship, and the skills and network I built were totally worth it!
Working student positions, on the other hand, are generally part-time, allowing you to work during the semester. These roles are often limited to about 20 hours a week during the semester, but you can work more during breaks—sometimes up to full-time! This type of position can last for an extended period, often up to two years, enabling you to gain sustained experience without interrupting your studies. Just remember, for working student positions, you’re only eligible if you’re enrolled at a university.
Salary, Taxes, and Social Contributions
Now let’s talk money. Starting January 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Germany is €12.41 per hour. This means that as a working student or intern, you cannot be paid less than this amount. However, actual pay can vary based on your role, skills, and location, so there’s potential that you will earn more.
As an intern, if you’re earning above €538 per month, you’ll pay basic German taxes. For working students, if you’re making over €450 per month, you’ll pay standard German taxes and may also contribute to health and pension insurance, especially if you work over 20 hours per week.
If you’re curious about how much tax and social contributions you might pay, check out the Student Wage Calculator Germany 2024.
Vacation
As an intern, you’ll earn vacation days based on the length of your internship, typically around 10 days for a six-month position. Working students don’t receive standard vacation days, but they may receive a vacation pay surcharge.
Non-EU Student Regulations
For my friends outside the EU, there are some important regulations to keep in mind. As of March 2024, you’re allowed to work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year. This includes both working student and internship roles. Remember to track your hours closely—overworking could impact your visa status.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this clears up the differences between internships and working student roles in Germany! Whether you’re looking to gain short-term experience or build a long-term career network, these roles can be essential stepping stones to your career goals.
If you’re curious about my personal journey applying for working student positions—especially as an international student with limited German at the time—you’ll find out all about it in the next post. Until then, stay curious and keep exploring your options!
