Germany grants up to €1,600 holiday bonus as side‑job earnings face tax deductions

In North Rhine‑Westphalia, employees in certain sectors receive a holiday‑pay supplement of up to €1,610, with the bakery industry getting 115 % of a monthly salary and the paper industry €1,200. The payment is usually made in May‑July and also applies to eligible minijob workers under the principle of equal treatment, though it depends on collective‑bargaining agreements.

Separately, guidance on earnings from secondary jobs warns that higher gross wages can trigger larger tax and social‑security contributions. Consumers are advised to calculate net take‑home pay before starting a minijob, seasonal work, or other part‑time employment. The advice, compiled by Stiftung Warentest, includes tools such as part‑time and gross‑net calculators and outlines specific considerations for students and retirees.

Both pieces highlight the financial impact of supplementary earnings and the importance of understanding the related tax and payment rules for German workers.