Although there is plenty of support for students, many don't want to accept it, or aren't even allowed to. But how high are the working student (Werkstudent) deductions on a job in Germany?

We're talking about things like BAföG (German federal student aid), for instance: if a parent earns too much or the student has too much capital, they can't accept this support. The rent still has to be paid, though. If a student doesn't have enough of a financial cushion and doesn't want to accept support, the only option left is working as a working student. During the lecture period, a working student may work a maximum of 20 hours a week and is paid 12 to 15 euros an hour for it. During semester breaks, the job may be done full-time, and that can sometimes bring in a sum of over 1,000 euros. Of course, not everyone can take such a job, and you also have to pay working student deductions.

working student deductions

Who can take the job and what are working student deductions?


To become a working student, certain criteria must be met. We've put together an overview for you in this article!

  • Not be beyond the 25th semester of study
  • Be enrolled at a university during the period of employment
  • Not yet hold a university degree
  • The student must not be on a leave-of-absence semester

Anyone who meets these criteria can enjoy the privileges of a working student. Of course, you should also make sure your taxes are handled correctly. If you earn 450 euros a month, you have nothing to worry about with the job. For an amount of 451 to 850 euros, on the other hand, 5% to 21% of your gross pay is deducted monthly, depending on your salary. From 850 euros a month, a total of 9.35% of gross pay is deducted. These working student deductions vary depending on your tax class.

working student deductions

Working student deductions and the tax classes


As already mentioned, the tax class also plays an important role here. Anyone who is single, widowed or living separately is placed in tax class 1. If you are married, on the other hand, the student and the spouse are automatically placed in tax class 4. If you want to be on the safe side with regard to taxes, you can of course turn to a tax advisor of your choice and also look at what you can ultimately deduct from your taxes yourself. Depending on the income tax as a working student, a tax has to be paid in advance. This tax is passed on by the employer directly to the tax office. At the end of the working year, work supplies such as clothing or fuel costs can then be deducted from your taxes, and you get a sum of money back.