Germany
Germany guarantees 20 working days (5-day week) or 24 working days minimum (BUrlG §3). In practice, collective agreements and companies offer 25-30 days. The EFZG (Entgeltfortzahlungsgesetz) system maintains 100% pay for 6 weeks of sick leave.
Disclaimer: This country guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we update it regularly, it may not reflect ongoing regulatory changes. Illizeo SA accepts no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content.
Annual paid leave
BUrlG §3 — 20 days minFederal Holiday Act (BUrlG) §3: 20 working days minimum on 5-day week (24 on 6-day). In practice, many firms offer 25-30 days via Tarifvertrag or contract. Under 18: 25-30 days. Severely disabled: +5 days.
| Type | Duration | Pay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual leave | 20 j ouvrés (5j/sem) | 100% | BUrlG §3 |
| Accrual | 6 months (waiting period) | — | Pro rata before |
| Termination before Jun 30 | 50% | 100% | BUrlG §5 |
| Unused balance | Carried until Mar 31 N+1 | — | Else lost |
| Severely disabled (GdB ≥50) | +5 j | 100% | SGB IX §208 |
| Minors | 25-30 j | 100% | JArbSchG |
Public holidays
9 federal + 1-4 per state9 federal public holidays + 1-4 per state (Bavaria, BW have +4 vs Berlin/Bremen). Pay continued if on working day (LohnFG). Berlin has March 8 (Women’s Day) since 2019.
| Day | Date | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 janvier | New Year | All states | — |
| March-April | Good Friday | Federal | — |
| March-April | Easter Monday | Federal | — |
| 1 mai | Labour Day | Federal | — |
| May | Christi Himmelfahrt | Federal | Ascension |
| May-Jun | Pfingstmontag | Federal | Pentecôte |
| May-Jun | Fronleichnam | Catholic states | — |
| 3 octobre | German Unity Day | Federal | — |
| 31 octobre | Reformation Day | Protestant + states | — |
| 1 novembre | All Saints | Catholic states | — |
| 25 décembre | Christmas Day | Federal | — |
| 26 décembre | Boxing Day | Federal | — |
| 8 mars | Int’l Women’s Day | Berlin (since 2019) | — |
Sick leave
EFZG 6 wks · Krankengeld afterEFZG §3: salary maintained at 100% by employer for 6 weeks of sick leave. Beyond: Krankengeld (health insurance) at 70% gross (capped 90% net) for max 78 weeks over 3 years. Sick note from day 4 (day 1 if requested by employer).
| Scenario | Waiting | Pay | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| First 6 weeks | 0 j | 100% (EFZG) | By employer |
| Wks 7-78 | 0 j | 70% brut (max 90% net) | Sickness benefit |
| Sick child | 0 j | Krankengeld (90%) | 10 days/yr/child |
| Work accident | 0 j | 100% (Berufsgenossenschaft) | No EFZG limit |
Maternity, paternity, parental
MuSchG 14 wks · BEEG 36 monthsMaternity Protection Act (MuSchG): 14 weeks maternity leave (6 pre + 8 post-birth, 12 if twins/premature). Pay up to €13/day from health insurance + employer top-up (average salary). Parental Leave (BEEG) up to 36 months with Elterngeld (65-67% of net income, €300-1800/month, 12-14 months).
| Type | Duration | Pay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity (6+8 wks) | 14 sem (12 si jumeaux) | 100% (caisse + employeur) | MuSchG |
| Protection period | 6 wks pre + 8 wks post | 100% | Job-protected |
| Parental Leave | 36 mois max | Elterngeld 65-67% net | 12-14 months paid |
| ElterngeldPlus | Jusqu’à 28 mois | 32-50% net | Parent sharing |
| Adoption | 8 wks | Comme mat. | — |
| Partner months | Within Elternzeit | +2 mois Elterngeld bonus | Si partage > 2 mois |
Special leaves
BGB §616BGB §616 — short paid leave for brief personal impediments (marriage, birth, death, moving). Duration and pay vary per Tarifvertrag or internal rules. No federal standard.
| Type | Duration | Pay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | 1-3 j | 100% BGB §616 | Souvent Tarifvertrag |
| Birth of child | 1-2 j | 100% | Père/partenaire |
| Close death (parent/spouse) | 1-3 j | 100% | Variable |
| Moving | 1 j | Variable | Souvent payé |
| Medical exam | Selon nécessité | Variable | BGB §616 |
| Sick child < 12 | 10 j/an/parent (20 si solo) | Krankengeld 90% | SGB V §45 |
| Care leave | Jusqu’à 6 mois | Sans solde | PflegeZG |
Information current as of last update. This guide does not replace local legal advice. For specific situations, consult a labor lawyer in the relevant country.
Centralize Germany absence management
Illizeo automates BUrlG + EFZG + MuSchG + BEEG (Elternzeit) with per-state holiday management and eAU.
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