Documentation
Review of time records, calendars, or other supporting material.
Overtime pay
Berlin and across Germany
Overtime Pay Claims - Employment Lawyer
Documentation, exclusion deadlines, and claim enforcement in Germany
For unpaid overtime claims, the key issues often are documentation, whether the overtime was required, the actual workload, and exclusion deadlines.
These are usually the points that matter most in employment disputes:
- ›Review of working hours, documentation, and whether the overtime was required
- ›Assessment of the contract, pay structure, and actual practice
- ›Evaluation of deadlines and enforcement risks
- ›Clear lawyer guidance on the most sensible next step
You receive clear guidance on whether and how overtime pay can realistically be pursued.
Important: In overtime cases, the quality of the documentation is often critical.
Full service in English language
What an overtime review usually covers
Contract and actual practice
Assessment of how the contract interacts with real workplace practice.
Exclusion deadlines
Evaluation of which deadlines may endanger the claim.
Enforcement strategy
Clear guidance on how the claim can sensibly be pursued.
Frequently asked questions
Must every overtime hour be paid?
That depends on the contract, the role, the pay model, and the actual organisation of work.
Does documentation matter a lot?
Yes. In overtime cases, it is often decisive.
Can overtime be reviewed together with other unpaid compensation?
Yes. Unpaid claims often should be reviewed as a whole.
Can bonus or variable pay also matter in parallel?
Depending on the case, yes. That is often relevant in disputed final payroll situations.
Is this part of general employment law?
Yes. Overtime pay is a classic payment issue in employment law.
Lara Kruse
2 months ago
Thank you so much for your prompt assistance in my rather complex case. I can highly recommend you – reliable, friendly, and straightforward!
Luisa Kr
3 months ago
Fast case processing, very friendly contact, would gladly use their services again (not the accident itself, but the handling of the case by Dr. Lerch...)
Dénes B.
2 weeks ago
Mr. Lerch provided me with highly professional, calm, and dedicated support throughout my legal proceedings. I particularly appreciated his honest assessment of my case and the clear communication he maintained throughout the entire process. Thanks to his strategy and preparation, we achieved a significantly better outcome than originally anticipated in the penalty order. I felt well-advised and taken seriously at all times. I can therefore wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Lerch and thank him again for his support. B. Paal
How it works
Step 1
Send the documents and situation
You send the key documents and briefly explain the situation and any immediate time pressure.
Step 2
Have it legally reviewed
I review deadlines, legal challenge points, economic risks, and your negotiating position.
Step 3
Receive clear guidance
You receive clear guidance on which response or strategy makes sense.
Step 4
Implement the next steps
If further action makes sense, negotiation, correspondence, or court steps are implemented in a structured way.
About Dr. Lerch
Dr. Philipp Lerch advises clients with a focus on clear legal assessments, precise communication, and economically sensible outcomes. In overtime matters, it is often crucial to document and assess the actual working reality carefully.
Related topics
Salary arrears
If other compensation components besides overtime remain unpaid.
Bonus and commission
If variable compensation is also disputed.
Employment law
The overview page for dismissal, contracts, and compensation claims.
Overtime in Germany: Pay, time off, and evidence
When overtime may be relevant, how employees can document hours, and which contract terms should be checked.