The German government is currently seeking cross-sector criteria to distinguish between self-employment and dependent employment. In our industry, many criteria that would normally clearly indicate permanent employment do not apply. If the list of criteria for a so-called status determination turns out to be unfavorable for us, this will lead to a massive loss of freelance work for sound designers.

We want to be allowed to remain self-employed! That is why we urge all freelance and entrepreneurial members to participate in the survey conducted by the Association of Founders and Self-Employed Persons in Germany (VGSD) e.V. The results will be incorporated into the political decision-making process.

We want to be able to remain self-employed! That is why we urge all freelance and entrepreneurial members to take part in the survey conducted by the Association of Founders and Self-Employed Persons in Germany (VGSD) e.V. The results will influence political decision-making.

So here’s our request: Take 20 minutes and help make the interests of self-employed people in our industry visible to policymakers. Ideally, you should select “Sound Engineer” for Question 18. The term “sound engineer” is very broadly defined; an event technician specializing in sound is a sound engineer, as is a sound engineer for live events or someone working on set sound. If we all select the same category, every single one of our votes counts for the entire sound engineering industry.

VGSD, BAGSV, and VDT have been actively collaborating on this issue since late 2024. However, the issue has now reached the current political agenda and is set to be reconsidered, which is why taking action right now makes sense.