der  Mindestlohn

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈmɪndəstˌloːn/

💰 What exactly is 'der Mindestlohn'?

The term Mindestlohn (article: der) refers to the legally mandated lowest wage (hourly or monthly) that must be paid to employees for their work. It aims to ensure that workers can make a living from their income and prevent exploitation.

It is a fixed term in labor, social, and economic law. Since 'der Lohn' (the wage/salary) is masculine, 'der Mindestlohn' is also masculine.

🧐 Grammar: Declining 'der Mindestlohn' correctly

The noun 'Mindestlohn' is masculine. A plural form ('die Mindestlöhne') is rarely used, mostly only in the context of different minimum wage rates (e.g., by industry or region, which is currently not the case in Germany).

Singular Declension

Example Sentences

1. Der Mindestlohn wurde kürzlich erhöht. (The minimum wage was recently increased.)
2. Viele Arbeitgeber müssen sich an die Vorgaben des Mindestlohnes halten. (Many employers have to adhere to the regulations of the minimum wage.)
3. Dem Arbeitnehmer steht nach Gesetz der Mindestlohn zu. (The employee is entitled to the minimum wage according to the law.)
4. Die Gewerkschaft fordert einen höheren Mindestlohn. (The union demands a higher minimum wage.)

🗣️ Usage in Daily Life and Specialized Language

The term Mindestlohn is frequently used in political and economic discussions. Typical contexts include:

• Legal regulations (e.g., the Minimum Wage Act - Mindestlohngesetz, MiLoG)
• Debates about wage justice and poverty reduction
• Economic impacts on companies and employment
• Collective bargaining between unions and employers

Common phrases involve 'den Mindestlohn einführen' (to introduce), 'erhöhen' (to increase), 'anpassen' (to adjust), or receiving/paying it: 'bekommen' / 'zahlen'.

⚠️ Caution: Do not confuse it with 'der Tariflohn' (collectively agreed wage), which is often higher and set for specific sectors through collective agreements.

🧠 Mnemonics to Help You Remember

Article Mnemonic: Remember 'der Lohn' (the wage). 'Der Mindestlohn' is just a specific type of wage, so the article stays the same: der Mindestlohn.

Meaning Mnemonic: 'Mindest-' means "minimum" or "at least". So, it's the wage you must receive 'mindestens' (at least).

↔️ Opposites and Other Words for 'Mindestlohn'

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: „Was erwarten Sie denn als Mindestlohn?“ Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: „So um Mitternacht wäre nett!“

English Translation: The boss asks the new employee: "What do you expect as a minimum wage (Mindestlohn)?" The employee replies: "Around midnight would be nice!" (This is a pun: 'Mindestlohn' sounds a bit like 'Mitternacht' or implies a time, and the employee pretends to understand it as the time they expect to get paid).

📜 Poem about the Minimum Wage

German:
Der Lohn, der muss zum Leben reichen,
drum soll er nicht zu niedrig schleichen.
Der Staat sagt: „Hier ist eine Grenze!“,
für jede Arbeit, jede Pense.
Der Mindestlohn, so ist's bestimmt,
damit die Kasse auch mal stimmt.

English Translation:
The wage must be enough to live,
so it shouldn't creep too low, we believe.
The state says: "Here is a line!",
for every job, every task, every time.
The minimum wage, it is decreed,
so that the cash box fits the need.

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich bin ein Betrag, pro Stund' gezahlt,
vom Gesetzgeber festgemalt.
Bin die Untergrenze, weniger gibt's nicht,
sorge für ein kleines Licht
im Portemonnaie, bei manchem knapp.
Wie heiß' ich wohl? Na, gib nicht schlapp!

English Translation:
I am an amount, paid per hour,
determined by legislative power.
I am the bottom line, there's nothing less,
providing a small light, I confess,
in the wallet, sometimes tight.
What am I called? Get it right!

Solution: der Mindestlohn (the minimum wage)

🧩 More Interesting Facts

Word Composition: The word is composed of:

• mindest- (adjective/adverb, superlative of "minder", meaning "least" or "minimum")
• der Lohn (noun, masculine, meaning "wage" or "salary")

Context Germany: The general statutory minimum wage (allgemeiner gesetzlicher Mindestlohn) was only introduced in Germany on January 1, 2015. Before that, there were only sector-specific minimum wages. Its level is adjusted regularly.