If you are unwell and, as a result, unable to work, you have the right to take paid sick leave in Germany, irrespective of whether you are covered by public or private health insurance. Here, you can find information on the necessary steps to take if you are unwell, including obtaining a sick note and ensuring continued payment from your employer. We also provide guidance on the policies that apply if you are unable to work for longer periods of time.
Sick leave in Germany: Informing your employer
In Germany, employees who feel unwell and are unable to work have the option to go on sick leave while still getting paid. This applies to various situations, whether you have the common cold, are dealing with a chronic illness, facing mental health challenges, or you are injured.
However, there are specific steps to follow when taking sick leave. First and foremost, inform your employer before starting the workday. You can do so via phone, email, or messenger; depending on your workplace, different rules may apply.
While you must tell your employer about your absence and the expected duration, you are not obligated to disclose the reason for the sick leave. If your employer inquires, you have the right to withhold that information.
Depending on your situation, openly communicating the reasons for your sick leave can be beneficial. For instance, if you are taking an extended break from work over several weeks due to burnout and need a gradual reintegration upon return, sharing this information when you return may facilitate the process later on.
You must inform your employer, if you are unable to work because of illness. As confirmation you can get a sick note from your doctor.
How many sick days are allowed in Germany?
In Germany, there are no regulations specifying the number of sick days an employee can take. Employers are required to provide a valid reason for letting employees go, typically excluding sick leave unless there is prolonged absence over several years . Therefore, there is generally no concern about job loss when taking sick leave.
When do I need a sick note?
There are no general regulations in Germany about when a sick note, i.e., a medical certificate affirming your inability to work, is required. Employers can establish individual guidelines that typically are outlined in your contract. Consequently, certain workplaces may mandate the submission of a doctor’s note on the first day of sick leave, while others may request a statement after two days.
How to get a sick note from your doctor and next steps
If your employer requests a medical certificate confirming your inability to work, you should contact your doctor to schedule an appointment or visit the practice during their consultation hours. Remember to bring your electronic health insurance card, which includes the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), to register at the reception. As a preventive measure against infection, sick notes can also be issued by your doctor through telephone or video calls.
The sick note includes the following information:
- Your name
- The anticipated duration of your sick leave
- The date your illness was diagnosed
- A code for the diagnosis
The medical certificate is generated in electronic form and is automatically transmitted from the doctor’s office to your health insurance provider and your employer. Upon request, you can receive a hardcopy of the sick note for personal records.
Receiving continued payment during sick leave
During sick leave in Germany, you are entitled to receive continuous payments from your employer for up to six weeks from the start of your absence. This applies to both public and private health insurance. However, there is one exception to this rule: You cannot receive sick pay during the first four weeks of a new job.
If you remain unable to return to work after six weeks of sick leave, distinct policies come into effect for sick pay. The specific regulations depend on the scheme under which you are registered within the German health insurance system.
If you are off sick for less than six weeks, you will continue to be paid by your employer. If it lasts longer, you will receive sick pay from your health insurance provider.
Once you are on sick leave, your employer ceases to pay your income. Under the public health insurance system, the insurer steps in after six weeks of absence from your workplace. Sick employees will then receive payments amounting to 70 percent of their last salary, up to a limit of 90 percent of their net income.
For those with private insurance, employer payments also cease after six weeks. Additionally, private health insurance companies typically do not cover the costs for sick leave in basic health plans. To receive continued payment, similar to public health insurance, you would need to obtain additional private insurance coverage.
Can I go on sick leave when my child is sick?
Parents with children under the age of 12 who are covered by the family health care plan under public insurance can take up to 15 child sick leave days annually (single parents 30). For bigger families with more children, a maximum of 30 sick leave days (single parents 70) applies for all children combined. However, for the privately insured, this option is usually not available.
