Kurzfristige Beschäftigung: Minijob: Das müssen Aushilfen im Weihnachtsgeschäft wissen

During the Advent season, numerous flexible helpers are sought for events such as Christmas markets, tree sales, and package delivery. Many of these jobs are offered as short-term minijobs, which means they have a limited duration. One crucial advantage of this type of employment is that earnings are not restricted. According to the Minijob Central, while a minijob with an earnings cap will have a maximum of €603 per month starting in 2026, helpers engaged in short-term employment can earn more.

However, if the monthly earnings exceed €603, employers must assess whether the activity is performed professionally. If it is, the employment is no longer considered a short-term minijob.

One significant benefit of short-term minijobs is that they are not subject to social insurance contributions for both employees and employers. This includes contributions to health, care, pension, and unemployment insurance, as well as contributions to statutory accident insurance. It is also possible for someone with a minijob earning a capped income to be employed additionally on a short-term basis.

The earnings from both jobs are not combined if they are performed by different employers. This rule also applies to employees with a socially insured main job and an additional minijob with an earnings cap. It is also possible to have another short-term minijob with a different employer, but employees must inform their employers about additional activities.

However, short-term employment is not unlimited. It must not exceed three months or a total of 70 workdays within a calendar year. If these time limits are surpassed, or if it becomes clear at the beginning that they will be, the employment is no longer considered a short-term minijob. If it becomes apparent during the employment that the relevant time limit has been exceeded, the employer must reassess the employment status.