What are the legal consequences?

General information

If you suffer sexual harassment at the workplace, you are entitled to suitable compensation for damages amounting to no less than EUR 1 000.

You are eligible to claim damages from:

• the person who discriminated against you
• your employer if he/she negligently fails to take appropriate remedial action, i.e. if he/she fails to prevent harassment by third parties (e.g. by warning, transfer or termination)
• the federal government, if the employer’s representative negligently fails to take appropriate remedial action.

Sexual harassment may also result in criminal penalties for the perpetrator.

Deadlines

The deadline for making a claim for damages before the court is 3 years.

Competent authority

• For employees in the private sector: the Labour and Social Court (→ BMJ) ^{German text}
• For contract workers: the Labour and Social Court (→ BMJ) ^{German text}
• For civil servants: the relevant administrative authority

Legal basis

• Bundesgesetz über die Gleichbehandlung ^{German text}
• Bundesgesetz über die Gleichbehandlung im Bereich des Bundes ^{German text}