Germany’s sick leave system is one of the most comprehensive in Europe — but many employees, particularly those from countries with weaker protections, underuse it out of unfamiliarity or workplace pressure. Here is how it works and why you should use it without guilt.
Entfortsetzungskrankheitsgeld: The Core Right
If you are unable to work due to illness, your employer must continue paying your full salary for up to 6 weeks (42 calendar days) per illness episode. This is called Entgeltfortzahlung and applies from the first day you are sick — there is no waiting period. After 6 weeks, the statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) takes over with Krankengeld (sick pay at approximately 70% of gross salary, up to 90% of net salary, for up to 78 weeks per illness over 3 years).
The Krankenschein (Doctor’s Note)
You must inform your employer immediately when you are sick and unable to work. For absences of up to 3 consecutive days, many employers do not require a medical certificate — you may have 3 “free” sick days per episode. From the 4th day, or earlier if your employer explicitly requires it, you need an Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung (AU-Bescheinigung) from a doctor — commonly called a “Krankenschein” or “gelber Schein” (yellow note). Since 2023, this is issued digitally (eAU) and sent directly from your doctor to your health insurer and employer electronically.
You Cannot Be Fired for Being Sick
In Germany, being sick cannot be a valid reason for dismissal in most circumstances. Courts have held that only extraordinary patterns of sickness (severe operational disruption, chronically high sick day rates over years) can justify dismissal under very specific circumstances. A sick day here and there — even several times a year — is not grounds for dismissal. Many workers, particularly those from cultures where taking sick leave is stigmatised, do not know this.
What to Use It For
German doctors regularly issue sick notes (AU) for conditions that might be “pushed through” in other work cultures: migraine, acute back pain, flu with fever, insomnia affecting functioning, anxiety/depression episodes, burnout. A doctor who believes you genuinely cannot work at full capacity is obligated to issue the AU — the decision is medical, not about whether you “feel like” working. Use the system as designed; it exists to protect your health and prevent presenteeism.
