German word

Mindestlohn

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmɪndəstˌloːn/

Meaning

  • masculine nounminimum wage

Example

Der Arbeitgeber muss den Mindestlohn zahlen.

The employer must pay the minimum wage.

Illustration for Mindestlohn (minimum wage)

More examples

Seit 2020 gilt ein bundeseinheitlicher Mindestlohn.

Since 2020, a nationwide minimum wage has been in effect.

Core concept

The lowest rung on a pay scale established by law.

Common phrases

  • den Mindestlohn zahlen

    pay the minimum wage

  • einen Mindestlohn einführen

    introduce a minimum wage

  • den Mindestlohn erhöhen

    raise the minimum wage

Similar words

Stundenlohn: Hourly pay based on time worked.
Bruttolohn: Gross earnings before taxes and social contributions are taken out.
Nettolohn: Net earnings after taxes and insurance contributions are taken out.
Gehalt: A regular salary paid independently of the hours worked.

Definition in German

Der gesetzlich festgelegte geringste Lohn, den ein Arbeitgeber einem Arbeitnehmer mindestens zahlen muss.

Word origin

Mindestlohn combines the German elements Mindest- 'minimum' and Lohn 'wage', following the productive German compound pattern.

Usage tips

  • Mindestlohn normally refers to pay for work rather than a general minimum income, so Einkommen is not an interchangeable term.

Opposites

  • Höchstlohnmaximum wagenoun

Related words

  • MindestlohngesetzMinimum Wage Actnoun
  • Mindestlohnerhöhungminimum wage increasenoun
  • Mindestlohnniveauminimum wage levelnoun

Word lists with this word