The number of students aged 15 to 18 engaging in part-time or holiday work is demonstrably increasing in Germany. Recent data released by the Federal Ministry of Labour in response to a parliamentary inquiry and reported by “Tagesspiegel”, indicates that 351,000 of the approximately two million students in this age group were employed in 2024. This represents a consistent rise in both absolute numbers and proportional representation of employed students since 2020.
The trend has prompted political discussion, with Jan van Aken, a leading figure within the Left Party, attributing the increase to factors such as inflation and precarious economic circumstances. He suggested that while early work experience can be beneficial, many students are driven to employment by financial necessity. Van Aken is advocating for increased financial support for working youth and has sharply criticized the exemption of individuals under 18 without vocational qualifications from minimum wage laws, describing it as unacceptable. He calls for universal application of the minimum wage, warning against companies exploiting young workers for inexpensive labour.
However, this proposal faces opposition from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Bundestag member Nora Seitz argued that a minimum wage for students, while seemingly equitable, could have unintended consequences. She voiced concerns that extending the minimum wage could jeopardize the viability of apprenticeships and vocational training, potentially making them less attractive.
Seitz also raised administrative concerns, pointing out that a minimum wage for students could lead to higher rates of exceeding income thresholds, thereby increasing bureaucratic workload. She emphasized that adding to administrative burden could discourage young people from taking on initial employment opportunities.