Working Hours and Rest Periods in Denmark
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Danish working-time rules implement the EU Working Time Directive and are supplemented by collective agreements:
- Maximum average 48 hours per week calculated over a 4-month reference period (may be extended to 12 months by collective agreement).
- 11 consecutive hours of rest in every 24-hour period (the 11-hour rule).
- One rest day per week — typically Sunday, but can be another day by agreement.
- Break: If you work more than 6 hours, you are entitled to a break (length set by agreement, typically 30 minutes).
Many collective agreements provide better terms — for example, a 37-hour standard work week is the norm in most Danish sectors.
When does it apply?
- You are an employee working in Denmark — the rules apply broadly regardless of sector.
- Some exceptions exist for senior executives and employees whose working time is not measured or predetermined.
- Special rules may apply for mobile workers, offshore workers, and certain transport sectors.
What to Do If Your Employer Is Breaching Danish Working Time Rules
- Check your collective agreement — it likely sets a lower standard work week (37 hours is typical).
- If your employer regularly violates the 11-hour rest rule or the 48-hour cap, raise it with your shop steward or union.
- You can also report violations to the Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet).
- Keep records of your actual working hours if you suspect systematic breaches.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't confuse the 48-hour EU cap with the typical 37-hour week — the 48-hour maximum is a ceiling, not the standard.
- Don't waive your rest periods — the 11-hour rule is mandatory and cannot be contracted away by individual agreement.
- Don't assume overtime is always paid extra — overtime compensation depends on your collective agreement or individual contract, not statute.
Common Questions
What is the maximum legal working week in Denmark?
Under the Arbejdstidsloven (Working Time Act), the average working week cannot exceed 48 hours calculated over a 4-month reference period, which may be extended to 12 months by collective agreement. That is a ceiling, not the standard — a 37-hour standard work week is the norm in most Danish sectors under collective agreements.
What rest breaks am I entitled to between shifts in Denmark?
You are entitled to 11 consecutive hours of rest in every 24-hour period (the 11-hour rule), plus one rest day per week (often Sunday). If you work more than 6 hours, you have a right to a break — typically 30 minutes, depending on your agreement. The 11-hour rest rule cannot be contracted away by individual agreement.
How do I report an employer breaching Danish working time rules?
Raise it with your shop steward or union first — they can push it through the dispute resolution system. You can also report violations of the 48-hour cap or the 11-hour rest rule to the Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet). Keep records of your actual hours worked if you suspect systematic breaches.
When does it apply — working hours and rest periods?
You are an employee working in Denmark — the rules apply broadly regardless of sector.Some exceptions exist for senior executives and employees whose working time is not measured or predetermined.Special rules may apply for mobile workers, offshore workers, and certain transport sectors.
What should I do if my employer is regularly requiring me to work more than the legal limits in Denmark?
Check your collective agreement — it likely sets a lower standard work week (37 hours is typical).If your employer regularly violates the 11-hour rest rule or the 48-hour cap, raise it with your shop steward or union.You can also report violations to the Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet).Keep records of your actual working hours if you suspect systematic breaches.
What should you NOT do — working hours and rest periods?
Don't confuse the 48-hour EU cap with the typical 37-hour week — the 48-hour maximum is a ceiling, not the standard.Don't waive your rest periods — the 11-hour rule is mandatory and cannot be contracted away by individual agreement.Don't assume overtime is always paid extra — overtime compensation depends on your collective agreement or individual contract, not statute.