Break calculator: breaks & rest periods under the ArbZG
Enter the shift start and end — the calculator instantly shows the statutory minimum break, your net working time and the earliest next shift start after 11 hours of rest. With break tiers for Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
- 100% free
- No sign-up
- Your entries are never stored
Your shift
Does the shift end after midnight? Just enter the actual end time — we count the next day.
We check whether the 11 hours of rest fall between the shifts.
Result
for 8:30 h attendance (09:00–17:30) under § 4 ArbZG
- Net working time (attendance − break)
- 8:00 h
- Earliest next shift start (11 h rest)
- 04:30 (next day)
How we calculated this
Break tier Germany (§ 4 ArbZG): over 6 h: 30 min · over 9 h: 45 min
Splitting: can be split into blocks of at least 15 minutes — the first break must begin no later than after 6 hours of work.
Rest period: at least 11 hours free after the shift ends (DE § 5 ArbZG, AT § 12 AZG, CH Art. 15a ArG) — from which the earliest next shift start follows. Industry and collective-agreement exceptions are not taken into account.
Guide values based on the statutory standard rules — collective agreements, works agreements and industry exceptions (e.g. § 7 ArbZG) may differ. Not legal advice.
Clearly explained
How the calculation works
The calculator first works out the gross attendance from the start and end — even across midnight. It then applies the break tier of the selected country: in Germany that means more than 6 hours → 30 minutes and more than 9 hours → 45 minutes (§ 4 ArbZG). The break may be split into blocks of at least 15 minutes and must begin no later than after 6 hours of work.
Rest period calculator: when may the next shift start?
Between two work assignments there must generally be 11 hours of uninterrupted rest (§ 5 ArbZG; Austria § 12 AZG, Switzerland Art. 15a ArG). The calculator adds the 11 hours to your shift end and shows the earliest regular start of the next shift. Enter the planned start of the next shift and it checks right away whether the rest period is met — the most common pitfall when switching from a late to an early shift.
Collective agreements, works agreements and industry exceptions are not taken into account (e.g. § 7 ArbZG or shortened rest periods with compensation in hospitals and hospitality) — the results are guide values for the standard case.
From planning practice
4 practical tips for breaks and rest periods in shift work
Anchor breaks directly in the schedule
If you only sort out breaks spontaneously on the floor, they get lost in the rush. Plan them as fixed slots — 45 minutes straight away for shifts over 9 hours.
Check late-to-early changeovers
The classic rest-period violation: late shift until 23:00, early shift from 06:00 — that is only 7 hours. Always check shift sequences in pairs.
Treat young workers separately
The JArbSchG applies to those under 18: a 30-minute break already from 4.5 hours, 60 minutes from 6 hours — stricter than the ArbZG.
Document break times
In a working-time audit, what is documented counts. Record breaks — flat-rate deductions without a real opportunity to take a break are open to challenge.
Automatic in the product
Shiftdesk checks breaks and rest periods with every plan
When you create each shift, Shiftdesk automatically checks the break tier, the 11-hour rest period and the daily maximum — and warns you before the plan is published. In time tracking, breaks are cleanly deducted and documented too.
Free shift-schedule template included
Get the free shift-schedule template for Excel and PDF — with automatic hour calculation, target-vs-actual comparison and a working-hours (ArbZG) checklist.
Rather not do the math yourself anymore?
For every planned shift, Shiftdesk automatically checks breaks, rest periods and the daily maximum — you see conflicts before the schedule goes out, not afterwards.
No credit card required · No risk
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about breaks and rest periods
How much break time applies for 6, 8 or 9 hours of work?
Does the break count as working time?
May the break be split?
How long is the rest period between two shifts?
Which break rules apply in Austria and Switzerland?
Who is responsible if breaks are not taken?
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All figures are guide values based on the statutory standard rules (ArbZG, AZG, ArG) and do not replace legal advice in individual cases. Collective agreements, works agreements and industry exceptions may differ.