Internship: are you entitled to pay?
An internship for experience, but without money? Not always. Whether you are entitled to pay depends on whether it is a prescribed mandatory internship or a voluntary internship, and how long it lasts.
Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:
Clarify the pay →Your chances of getting your money back
What you should do now
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1. Clarify the type of internship
Mandatory internship (prescribed) or voluntary? And how long does it last?
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2. Check the duration
Voluntary internship over three months? Then the minimum wage applies.
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3. Calculate the pay
Minimum wage × hours worked, also for past periods.
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4. Demand it in writing
Demand the pay in writing with a deadline; in case of dispute, union advice helps.
Frequently asked questions
Does my internship have to be paid?
That depends on the type. Mandatory internships under a study/training regulation and short orientation internships (up to three months) before training or studies are exempt from the minimum wage. A voluntary internship that lasts longer than three months, by contrast, is subject to the statutory minimum wage.
Do I get money retroactively if the internship lasts longer?
Yes. If a voluntary internship exceeds the three-month limit, the minimum wage entitlement applies for the entire duration, that is, also for the first three months. You can then demand the pay (also retroactively). Demand it in writing with a deadline and get support if needed.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
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.