Working Hours and Rest Periods
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance.
Danish National Law
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 should you do?
- 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.
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