Paid far below the usual wage – is that immoral (sittenwidrig)?
Risky — the clause disadvantages you and is worth challenging.
Where the agreed wage is in striking disproportion to the customary local pay (rule of thumb: below 2/3 of the regional or sectoral standard), the contract may be void under § 138 (2) BGB ("Lohnwucher"). The employee is then entitled to the customary wage (settled BAG case law).
What you can do next
Holen Sie eine vergleichende Auskunft zur ortsüblichen Vergütung ein (Tarifvertrag, Branchenverbände, Gewerkschaft oder vergleichbare Stellen). Bei auffälligem Missverhältnis können Sie die übliche Vergütung verlangen.
The law behind it
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Check the whole contractRelated questions
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- Longer notice period for the employee than for the employer – valid?
- Shorter deadline for an unfair-dismissal claim in the contract – does it apply?
General information based on German law and court decisions, checked by lawyers — not legal advice for your individual case.