Remote work wording often looks short because it relies on other parts of the contract. Read it beside the clauses on workplace, working time, policies and termination—not as an isolated benefit.
1. Where is the contractual workplace?
“Remote” can mean the registered home address, any place in Germany, or occasional work away from the employer’s premises. Each version creates a different expectation. Check whether moving home requires consent and whether a co-working space is permitted.
2. How often can attendance be required?
A promise of home working is weakened if the employer can require office attendance at any time without a reasonable notice period. Look for frequency, notice and treatment of travel time and costs.
3. Who provides and returns equipment?
The agreement should connect laptops, screens and furniture to custody, private use, support, loss and return. Ask what happens when equipment fails and whether attendance at an office is then expected.
4. How are hours recorded?
Remote work does not remove working-time obligations. Identify the recording method, availability windows, break expectations and route for approved overtime. Constant availability should not be implied by working from home.
5. Which costs are addressed?
Internet, electricity, travel and co-working fees may be handled differently. Avoid assuming that a general salary automatically answers each expense question; read the policy incorporated by the contract.
6. Can you work from abroad?
Permission to work remotely in Germany is not permission to work from another country. Immigration status, tax, social security, payroll and local employment rules may all matter, even for a temporary stay.
7. How does remote work end?
Check whether remote work is permanent, time-limited, reviewable or revocable. A fair process should make the grounds and notice understandable. Also ask what happens to the underlying employment if the remote arrangement ends.
A checklist helps you notice questions. It cannot determine the answer without the full contract, incorporated policies and intended routine.