Bridge part-time: reduce hours for a limited time and return to full-time

With bridge part-time you can reduce your working hours for a limited period (one to five years) and afterwards automatically return to your previous number of hours, without having to fight for it. The main condition is a certain company size and company tenure.

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Your chances of getting your money back

In companies with more than 45 employees you are entitled, after more than six months of company tenure, to limited-term part-time (§ 9a TzBfG), with a guaranteed return to the old working hours.

For companies between 46 and 200 employees a reasonableness limit applies (only one of every 15 employees must be granted it). The application must be submitted at least three months in advance in text form.

What you should do now

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1. Check the conditions
More than 45 employees in the company and more than six months of company tenure? Then bridge part-time comes into consideration.
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2. Formulate the application
Set the start, scope of the reduction and duration (1 to 5 years) and submit the application at least three months in advance in text form.
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3. Insist on an answer
The employer must decide in good time and with justification. If they reject without sufficient operational grounds, this can be challenged.
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4. The return is guaranteed
After it expires you automatically return to the earlier working hours; a renewed application is not necessary.

How to spot the scam

The employer wants to offer only an indefinite part-time without a right of return.
The rejection is justified only in blanket terms with 'operational reasons'.
The 3-month deadline for the application is overlooked.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference from normal part-time?

With bridge part-time the reduction is limited in time from the outset (1 to 5 years), and afterwards you return guaranteed to the old working hours. With indefinite part-time there is no such automatic right of return.

Am I always entitled?

Only in companies with, as a rule, more than 45 employees and after more than six months of company tenure (§ 9a TzBfG). In medium-sized companies a reasonableness limit additionally applies.

How do I apply for bridge part-time?

At least three months before the desired start, in text form, stating the scope and duration of the reduction. The employer must answer in good time and with justification.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.