The black‑red coalition still needs time to reach a final solution for the uncertain legal status of free‑taught staff at music schools. The transitional rule that follows the so‑called Herrenberg judgment will be extended until the end of 2027, the “Tagesspiegel” reports by citing coalition spokespeople. That extension gives music schools, adult education centers and other institutions that employ independent workers a breather for now.
At the same time a working group is being set up. It will develop a long‑term solution based on a concrete proposal from the Federal Ministry of Labour, closely involving the coalition parties. The aim is to create clear conditions for those affected soon and to outline a permanently sustainable perspective.
The core issue is the legal status of teachers at music schools and similar educational institutions, such as adult education centers or private institutes. Many of these teachers have traditionally worked on a fee‑basis and independently. However, in 2022 the Federal Social Court issued the Herrenberg judgment, stating that if a teacher is integrated into organisational and administrative processes, the employment is a dependent job.
Consequently, hundreds of thousands of people could suddenly find themselves in illegal pseudo‑self‑employment. Conversely, the ruling could improve the situation for those who wish to be permanently employed but have not been able to secure that status yet. After the snap elections, already before the new elections and with backing from the SPD, Greens, and the Union, a first transitional rule was created, which is now being extended. Until then-and thereafter-the transitional rule can be applied only if both parties involved agree to it.
