Everything You Need to Know About Sick Leave in Germany

Moving to a new country for work is an exciting adventure, but navigating the local labour laws can be daunting. If you are working in Germany, understanding how sick leave in Germany works is essential to protect both your health and your professional standing.

German labour law is known for being employee-friendly, providing strong protections to ensure that workers can recover from illness without the fear of losing their income. In this guide, we break down the process, the paperwork, and the payment structures.

How to Report Sick Leave in Germany

When you wake up feeling unwell and cannot perform your duties, the first step is communication. In Germany, you are generally required to notify your employer as soon as possible—ideally before your workday begins.

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• Notification: A quick email, phone call, or message to your manager is usually sufficient to let them know you are unavailable.

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• Timeline: While your contract might specify a timeframe, the general rule is to inform the company immediately so they can manage your workload.

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The Importance of the “Krankenschein” (Sick Note)

In Germany, a doctor’s note, known as a Krankenschein (or officially Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung), is the legal proof that you are unfit for work.

Depending on your employment contract, you may need to provide this note on the first day of absence, or your employer might allow you to wait until the third day. It is crucial to check your specific contract to avoid any misunderstandings.

The Digital Shift: eAU

Germany has modernized its system with the eAU (electronic certificate of incapacity for work). Now, instead of a paper slip, your doctor sends the data digitally to your health insurance provider, which your employer can then retrieve electronically. This reduces paperwork and speeds up the process.

Getting Paid: Lohnfortzahlung and Krankengeld

One of the biggest concerns during illness is financial stability. Germany offers a two-tier system for sick pay:

1. Continued Payment of Wages (Lohnfortzahlung)

For the first six weeks of an illness, your employer is legally required to pay 100% of your regular salary. This ensures that short-term illnesses do not lead to financial hardship.

2. Sickness Benefit (Krankengeld)

If your illness lasts longer than six weeks, the payment shifts from your employer to your statutory health insurance provider. This is called Krankengeld. While it is not 100% of your salary (usually around 70% of your gross income, up to a certain limit), it provides a critical safety net for long-term recovery.

Key Tips for a Smooth Process

To ensure you remain in good standing with your employer while prioritizing your health, keep these tips in mind:

• Read Your Contract: Always double-check when the sick note is required.
• Visit a GP (Hausarzt): Establish a relationship with a local general practitioner early so they can assist you quickly when you fall ill.
• Maintain Communication: Keep your manager informed about your expected return date if possible.

For more official information on working conditions and legal rights in Germany, you can visit the Make it in Germany portal, the government’s official website for qualified professionals.

Conclusion

Understanding sick leave in Germany allows you to focus on what truly matters: getting better. With strong legal protections and a structured system, employees can feel secure knowing that their health is prioritized over productivity during times of illness.