According to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, children are only allowed to work when compulsory education is finished.
In Germany, child labor is governed by the Youth Employment Protection Act (Jugendarbeitsschutzgesetz) and the Child Labor Protection Order (Kinderarbeitsschutzverordnung). The aim is to protect young people in such a way that their health is not endangered and their development proceeds undisturbed. Child labor is forbidden as compulsory education already employs the children enough. However, there is the possibility of improving the pocket money by performing certain works.
Therefore, child labor is allowed, if
• the person is older than 13 years and younger than 15 years and
• carries out certain activities:
o as newspaper publisher
o in private and agricultural households, such as household and garden work,
errands, administrative tasks, cleaning, simple assembly work, babysitting,
tutoring, "walking", shopping, assistance in harvesting and selling agricultural
products, animal care
o Sports activities, non-commercial auctions and events organized by churches,
associations, associations and parties
• the employment is suitable for children
• Only on weekdays (Monday to Saturday), between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm
• the activity does not take place before or during school lessons
• a maximum of 2 hours per day or 3 hours per day in family farms
Exceptions:
• Full-time school-age youth, that are young people aged 15 to 18 years, can do a summer job (Ferienjob) during school holidays
• During a school internship during school hours, the prohibition on child labor with its limitations does not apply.
Child labor is part of youth employment protection. In that regard, these regulations are to be observed in addition.