Yeah the law really doesn't mean alot. I know for a fact that the usual suspects like bankers, lawyers, middle management work crazy hours like everywhere else.

Yeah the law really doesn't mean alot. I know for a fact that the usual suspects like bankers, lawyers, middle management work crazy hours like everywhere else. There was actually a high court decision not long ago, where a lawyer demanded overtime pay for a few years of 60-70 hour workweek. But since his base pay was around 7000€ / month the court decided he shouldnt get anything, all hours are included in the salary - which is of course a totally reasonable and expected decision, but it shows that the 40 hour limit isnt too meaningful.