Salary claim
Review of unpaid salary components and the contractual basis.
Salary arrears
Berlin and across Germany
Salary Arrears and Outstanding Pay - Employment Lawyer
Salary, exclusion deadlines, and claim enforcement in Germany
If salary, bonus, commission, or other compensation remains unpaid, the key issues are usually the legal basis of the claim, the documentation, and any exclusion deadlines.
These are usually the points that matter most in employment disputes:
- ›Review of which compensation components are actually outstanding
- ›Assessment of the contract, payroll statements, and supporting documentation
- ›Evaluation of exclusion deadlines and enforcement risks
- ›Clear lawyer guidance on the most sensible next step
You receive clear guidance on which claims can realistically be pursued and how quickly action should be taken.
Important: Contractual exclusion deadlines are often especially important in outstanding-pay disputes.
Full service in English language
What a salary-arrears review usually covers
Exclusion deadlines
Assessment of how much time remains to assert the claim.
Enforcement strategy
Clear guidance on whether a formal letter, negotiation, or claim appears sensible.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as outstanding compensation?
Besides salary, bonus, commission, overtime, or unused-vacation pay may also be relevant.
Do exclusion deadlines matter a lot?
Yes. In employment law, contractual deadlines can quickly weaken or eliminate claims.
Can I review bonus and commission together with salary?
Yes. The overall compensation position should often be reviewed as one package.
Can overtime or vacation pay also matter?
Yes. That is often the case in separation scenarios or disputed final payrolls.
Is this part of general employment law?
Yes. Compensation claims are one of the classic economically important parts of 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 unpaid-compensation cases, it is often crucial to sort out the claims and deadlines early.
Related topics
Overtime pay
If unpaid overtime forms part of the claim.
Bonus and commission
If variable compensation is also disputed.
Vacation pay
If unused vacation also needs to be paid out at the end of employment.