minimum wage

• Der gesetzlich festgelegte niedrigste Lohn, den Arbeitgeber ihren Arbeitnehmern pro Stunde, Tag oder Monat zahlen müssen.

The lowest hourly, daily, or monthly wage that employers are legally required to pay their workers, as established by government regulation.

1. Legal minimum payB2formal

   The lowest hourly, daily, or monthly wage that employers are legally required to pay their workers.

   Mindestlohn

   • The government increased the minimum wage to $15 per hour.
   • Many workers struggle to survive on the minimum wage.
   • Employers must comply with minimum wage laws.

2. Economic policy toolC1formal

   A government-set baseline for wages, intended to protect workers from exploitation and ensure a basic standard of living.

   Instrument der Wirtschaftspolitik

   • Debates about raising the minimum wage often dominate political campaigns.
   • The minimum wage is adjusted periodically to keep up with inflation.
   • Critics argue that a high minimum wage can lead to job losses.