TLDR Berlin Signpost

What does "Minijob" mean in English?

Last updated on 10 April 2024

A Minijob, literally translated as “mini job,” refers to a type of marginal employment in Germany where the income is capped at a certain level.

What is “Minijob”?

A Minijob is a form of part-time work in Germany that is characterized by low income or short duration. It is designed to provide job opportunities without full social security obligations. Minijobs are attractive for students, retirees, or those looking for supplemental income, as they offer a simple way to earn money with minimal tax implications.

More information about “Minijob”

Minijobs can be either long-term with a regular income of up to €520 per month or short-term for a limited period, such as seasonal work. Employers pay a flat rate for taxes and social security, while employees in Minijobs are largely exempt from these contributions. However, Minijobbers still have the right to certain benefits like paid leave and are entitled to the statutory minimum wage.

Here are some additional terms that are related to Minijob:

  • Midijob: A form of employment where earnings are between €520 and a higher threshold, offering a transition from marginal employment to full social security contributions.
  • Sozialversicherung: The German social security system, which Minijobbers can opt into for pension contributions.
  • Gleitzone: The transitional range between Minijob and full employment, now referred to as the “Übergangsbereich” for Midijobs.
  • Arbeitslosenversicherung: Unemployment insurance, which Minijobbers are not automatically a part of but can opt into.

Minijobs offer a flexible form of employment with certain limitations but can be a stepping stone to more substantial employment or a way to supplement income while balancing other life commitments.

Sources

[1] https://germantaxes.de/tax-tips/how-are-minijobs-taxed/ [2] https://visitukraine.today/blog/1524/is-it-possible-to-receive-financial-assistance-in-germany-if-you-work-on-a-minijob-an-explanation-for-ukrainians [3] https://blog.lingoda.com/en/minijob-in-germany/ [4] https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/comments/8cv7b9/what_are_the_legal_limitations_of_the_minijobs/ [5] https://ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=19166&langId=es [6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marginal_employment [7] https://taxfix.de/en/taxes-on-the-minijob/ [8] https://expats.de/en/mini-job-germany/ [9] https://www.haufe.de/thema/minijob/ [10] https://www.myskillsacademy.de/part-time-jobs/ [11] https://www.ihk.de/stuttgart/english/services2/business-support/labour-law-3977976 [12] https://www.blackforestfamily.com/living-in-germany/everything-you-need-to-know-before-starting-a-mini-job-in-germany [13] https://expatcare.blog/new-regulations-for-midijobs/ [14] https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/comments/16m9yek/i_want_to_know_about_mini_job_tax_class/ [15] https://handbookgermany.de/en/minijob [16] https://go-quitt.de/en/register-your-household-help-as-minijobber-and-enjoy-tax-benefits/ [17] https://www.dgb.de/schwerpunkt/minijob [18] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRx0fJIxmp8 [19] https://monarchco.de/en/post/changes-in-germany