The DGB estimates that illegal practices to circumvent the national minimum wage cost workers, social funds, and the state up to 64 billion euros from 2015 to 2024, based on Socio-Economic Panel data showing average underpayment of about 1.70 to 2.40 euros per hour for roughly two million workers annually.

Of the 64 billion euros, about 35 billion euros are unpaid wages to workers, around 22 billion euros are losses to social funds, and roughly 7 billion euros represent foregone income tax, underscoring the broad economic impact.

Officials from the General Customs Directorate defend a quality-over-quantity approach, arguing focused investigations yield stronger enforcement and staff are trained to detect complex evasive schemes.

Enforcement faces challenges such as limited inspections—statistically about one inspection per 140 years per company—and vacancies within enforcement agencies, per DGB and Zoll context.

The article highlights a debate on solutions, emphasizing collective bargaining and tariffs as essential for sustainable wages and fair conditions beyond the statutory minimum.

Employer associations caution that data sources may be imprecise and note economic pressures from the 2022 minimum wage increase, while stating that state action is appropriate where nonpayment occurs.

BDA reiterates the need for careful assessment of figures and acknowledges that recent policy changes have increased economic pressure on businesses.

DGB calls for stringent penalties against wage violators, arguing wage theft is a serious offense and should be aggressively pursued.

DGB and employers present differing solutions: stronger enforcement and collective bargaining versus balancing policy and tariffs to maintain sustainable employment.

DGB attributes part of the gaps to criminal behavior by employers failing to meet legal obligations.

Germany's current statutory minimum wage stands at 13.90 euros per hour, with limited exceptions such as internships.

Common violations include missing or incorrect time records, mislabeling workers as interns, unpaid setup or readiness time, unpaid travel, and informal below-minimum-wage pay arrangements.