Your Rights & Obligations During an Internship
Minimum wage, leave entitlement, termination — what you're legally entitled to and what's expected of you
Always Insist on a Written Contract
Always insist on a written internship contract — before your first day. Without a contract you still have rights, but they're harder to enforce. No reputable company will refuse to provide one.
Your Rights as an Intern
Paid leave
You are legally entitled to paid leave. For a 6-month internship (5-day week), that's at least 12 working days — roughly 2 days per month.
Working hours
Maximum 8 hours/day (under 18: 8 hours, with mandatory breaks). Overtime must be paid or compensated with time off.
Reference letter
You're entitled to a written internship reference. Request it no later than your last day. A detailed (qualified) reference is better than a simple one.
Health insurance
As a student you remain covered under student health insurance. Earning more than €538/month can trigger mandatory social security contributions.
Termination
You can resign at any time with 4 weeks' notice, and so can the company (except during the probation period). During probation (max. 1 month), the notice period is 2 weeks.
Data protection
Your personal data may only be processed for the purpose of the internship (GDPR). You can request deletion after the internship if you wish.
Your Obligations as an Intern
Punctuality and attendance according to your agreed working hours
Follow the company's instructions (within the scope of your agreement)
Keep trade secrets confidential (even after the internship ends)
Handle company property with care
Report illness immediately (by phone, before your shift starts)
Submit reports or proof required by your university on time
Checklist: What Must Be in the Internship Contract?
Name & address of you and the company
Exact start and end dates
Description of tasks & learning objectives
Weekly working hours & daily schedule
Amount of pay (or unpaid status documented)
Entitlement to leave (number of days)
Probation period (max. 1 month)
Notice periods
Confidentiality obligation
Right to a reference
Frequently Asked Questions About Rights & Obligations
What happens if the company doesn't issue a contract?
A verbal contract is technically valid, but you should always insist on a written internship contract. Without a contract, statutory minimum standards still apply — but proof is harder to provide. When in doubt, write an email confirming the agreed terms.
Can the company monitor my social media accounts?
Publicly visible profiles may be viewed. Private messages, passwords, or access to private accounts must never be requested. Company social media accounts you manage as an intern are subject to the company's policies.
What should I do about bullying or harassment during my internship?
Document all incidents in writing with dates and witnesses. Contact the works council (if one exists), HR, or your university's dean's office. As a last resort: the labor court or the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency (ADS).
Can I be held liable for damages?
For minor negligence, you're generally not liable. For gross negligence or intent, you are. Check whether your parents' liability insurance applies (often the case for students still in school). As a university student: get your own personal liability insurance.
Does an internship count as employment for unemployment benefits?
Mandatory internships and paid voluntary internships over 3 months can count as insurable employment and build up pension insurance periods. However, unemployment benefit (ALG I) usually requires 12 months of contributions — a short internship rarely covers that.
What must be included in the internship contract?
Name and address of both parties, start and end dates, content and learning objectives, working hours, pay (or an explicit note that it's unpaid), entitlement to leave, probation period, notice periods.
Find the Right Internship Now
Now that you know your rights and obligations, you're well prepared — find your next internship
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