Timesheet: template for trade businesses
Free timesheet as Word and PDF — weekly overview per employee with breaks, project and signature.
One line per working day — the Word file contains Mon–Sat plus a totals field:
| Date | Start | End | Break | Hrs | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
- · In the construction sector, §17 MiLoG requires recording start, end and duration daily, at the latest within 7 days.
- · Keep the records for at least 2 years.
Sample without guarantee — no legal or tax advice. · Last reviewed: 2026-07
Download template
As a Word file (DOCX) to fill in, plus a PDF — free in exchange for your e-mail address.
Who must record hours
For construction and several other sectors, §17 MiLoG (German minimum wage act) prescribes recording start, end and duration of daily working time — at the latest seven days after the work, kept for at least two years. The duty also applies to mini-jobbers regardless of sector. The timesheet is the simplest way to comply.
From sheet to payroll
The timesheet serves twice: as the MiLoG record and as the basis for payroll and project costing. Carrying the site per line shows at month's end which project ate the hours. In DasHandwerk.xhub, employees record times directly on the work order — the sheet disappears.
Frequent questions about the timesheet
Is a paper timesheet enough for MiLoG?
Yes — the law prescribes no specific form, only content (start, end, duration), deadline (7 days) and retention (2 years). Paper is permitted; digital is searchable.
Do breaks have to be recorded?
Start, end and duration of working time — the duration only follows after deducting breaks, so they belong on the sheet. The template has a dedicated column.
Who has to sign?
No signature is prescribed — but it prevents disputes about the recorded times. The template provides for employee and business.