Germany has robust statutory leave entitlements that provide employees with significant time off for vacation, illness, and family care. These entitlements are protected by law and are considered fundamental rights for employees. Employers must comply with these regulations, and many companies offer benefits exceeding the statutory minimums to attract and retain talent. Understanding these regulations is crucial for businesses employing individuals in Germany.
Navigating Germany's leave policies requires careful attention to detail. The legal framework provides a baseline, but collective bargaining agreements or individual employment contracts can enhance these entitlements. Employers should stay informed about the latest legal updates and seek expert advice to ensure compliance and create competitive benefits packages.
Annual Vacation Leave
German law guarantees a minimum of 20 days of paid vacation per year for employees working a five-day week. For those working six days a week, the minimum is 24 days. However, many companies offer more generous vacation packages, often around 25-30 days per year.
- Minimum Entitlement: 20 days (5-day week), 24 days (6-day week)
- Typical Entitlement: 25-30 days
- Carryover: Vacation days must generally be used in the current calendar year. However, carryover is permitted under certain circumstances, such as illness, and must be used by March 31 of the following year.
- Payment: Employees must receive their regular salary during vacation leave.
Public Holidays
Germany has a number of public holidays, which vary slightly by state (Bundesland). These holidays are typically non-working days, with employees receiving their regular pay.
| Holiday | Date | Observed Nationwide? |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Yes |
| Good Friday | Varies | Yes |
| Easter Monday | Varies | Yes |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Yes |
| Ascension Day | Varies | Yes |
| Whit Monday | Varies | Yes |
| German Unity Day | October 3 | Yes |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Yes |
| Second Day of Christmas | December 26 | Yes |
Some states also observe additional holidays, such as Epiphany (January 6), Corpus Christi, Assumption Day, Reformation Day (October 31), and All Saints' Day (November 1).
Sick Leave
Employees in Germany are entitled to continued payment of their salary for up to six weeks in the event of illness.
- Entitlement: Up to 6 weeks of continued salary payment
- Doctor's Note: A doctor's note (ärztliches Attest) is required from the fourth day of illness. However, employers can request a doctor's note earlier.
- Health Insurance: After six weeks, employees receive sick pay (Krankengeld) from their health insurance fund, typically around 70% of their gross salary.
- Maximum Duration: Sick pay from health insurance can last up to 78 weeks within a three-year period for the same illness.
Parental Leave
Germany offers comprehensive parental leave benefits to both mothers and fathers.
Maternity Leave (Mutterschutz)
- Duration: Typically starts six weeks before the expected birth date and lasts eight weeks after the birth (12 weeks for premature or multiple births).
- Payment: During maternity leave, employees receive maternity pay (Mutterschaftsgeld) from their health insurance fund, supplemented by the employer to reach their full net salary.
- Protection: Pregnant employees are protected from dismissal during pregnancy and for four months after childbirth.
Parental Leave (Elternzeit)
- Duration: Parents are entitled to up to three years of unpaid parental leave per child. This leave can be taken by either parent or shared between them.
- Timing: Parental leave can be taken any time before the child's eighth birthday.
- Protection: Employees on parental leave are protected from dismissal.
- Parental Allowance (Elterngeld): During parental leave, parents may be eligible for parental allowance, which is a state benefit based on their previous income. The basic Elterngeld is usually 65% of the previous net income, with a maximum of 1,800 EUR per month and a minimum of 300 EUR per month. There are variations and supplements available, such as ElterngeldPlus.
Adoption Leave
Adoption leave is generally handled similarly to parental leave in Germany, with adoptive parents entitled to parental leave and parental allowance benefits. The exact details may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the adoption.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to vacation, sick leave, and parental leave, German law and company policies may provide for other types of leave:
- Bereavement Leave: Employees are typically entitled to a few days of paid leave in the event of the death of a close family member.
- Study Leave: Some companies offer study leave to employees for professional development or further education. The terms and conditions of study leave vary.
- Sabbatical: While not legally mandated, some employers offer sabbaticals, allowing employees to take an extended period of unpaid leave.
- Care Leave: Employees are entitled to take short-term leave to care for sick relatives. They may also be entitled to longer-term care leave to provide care for family members in need.
- Special Leave: In certain situations, such as a personal emergency or a relocation, employees may be granted special leave (Sonderurlaub). The availability and terms of special leave depend on the employer and the specific circumstances.
