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Quick Summary
In Germany, calling in sick is not a request; it's a legal right. By law, your employer must continue to pay 100% of your salary for up to 6 weeks if you are ill. But German bureaucracy loves its rules. Knowing when you need a doctor's note (Krankschreibung), how the new electronic system (eAU) works, and what your health insurance covers after 6 weeks is crucial to protect your income.
1. The 6-Week Rule: Continued Payment of Wages
The cornerstone of the German sick leave system is the Entgeltfortzahlungsgesetz (Continued Remuneration Act).
If you are an employee and fall ill, your employer is legally obligated to pay 100% of your regular gross salary for up to six weeks (42 days) for the same illness.
Who is entitled?
- You must be employed for at least four continuous weeks at your current company before this right kicks in.
- If you get sick during your first four weeks on a new job, your public health insurance (e.g., TK, AOK) steps in immediately and pays Krankengeld (Sick Pay), which is slightly less than your full salary.
The Probation Period Myth
Many expats believe they cannot take sick leave during their 6-month probation period (Probezeit). This is false. Once you have worked for 4 weeks, you have the exact same right to 6 weeks of paid sick leave as an employee who has been there for 10 years.
2. How to Call in Sick (The Right Way)
German employers are strict about the process. If you wake up sick, you must follow these exact steps to ensure you are legally protected.
1. Notify your employer immediately
criticalYou must inform your boss or HR department before your normal working hours begin. An email, Slack message, or quick phone call is sufficient. You only need to say "I am sick" (Ich bin krank). You do not have to tell them what your symptoms are or what disease you have.
2. The '3-Day Rule' (Wait or go to the doctor?)
requiredBy law, you can be sick for up to 3 consecutive calendar days without needing a doctor's note. You must submit a doctor's note no later than the 4th day.
Warning: Some employment contracts state that you need a doctor's note on the very first day. Check your specific contract!
3. Get your 'Krankschreibung' (Doctor's Note)
criticalIf you are sick longer than your contract allows without a note, you must visit a doctor (Hausarzt). The doctor will issue a certificate of incapacity for work (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung, or AU).
3. The New Digital System: How the eAU works
In the past, the doctor would give you a yellow piece of paper (the "Gelber Schein") which you had to mail or scan and send to your employer.
This changed in 2023. Germany introduced the eAU (electronic certificate of incapacity for work).
Here is how the modern process works:
- You go to the doctor and present your health insurance card (Gesundheitskarte).
- The doctor determines you are unfit for work and logs this in their system.
- The doctor automatically transmits the sick note electronically to your public health insurance company.
- Your Job: You must tell your employer: "I was at the doctor. I am officially sick until [Date]."
- Your employer then electronically requests the sick note directly from your health insurance company.
Private Health Insurance Exception
If you have Private Health Insurance (PKV), the electronic eAU system does NOT work for you yet. You will still receive a paper sick note from the doctor, and it is your responsibility to send a copy to your employer and your insurance provider.
4. Long-Term Illness: What happens after 6 weeks?
If you are severely ill and cannot work for more than six weeks due to the same illness, your employer stops paying your salary.
At this point, your health insurance steps in to catch you. This is called Krankengeld (Sick Pay).
- Who pays? Your statutory health insurance (e.g., TK, Barmer).
- How much? Around 70% of your regular gross salary, capped at a maximum of 90% of your net salary.
- How long? You can receive Krankengeld for up to 78 weeks (within a 3-year block) for the same illness.
Need Health Insurance?
If you are new to Germany and need to sign up for public health insurance to ensure you are covered for sick pay, we recommend TK due to their excellent English support and seamless eAU integration.
TK (Techniker Krankenkasse)
Top Benefits
- Voted Germany's best health insurance
- Excellent English customer service
Keep in Mind
- Slightly higher additional contribution rate
Key Details
5. Getting Sick on Vacation
This is one of the most generous aspects of German labor law. If you get sick while you are on approved paid vacation (Urlaub), you do not lose your vacation days.
If you get a doctor's note (Krankschreibung) covering the days you were sick, those days are legally converted from "vacation days" back into "sick days." Your employer must credit those vacation days back to your annual allowance so you can take them later.
Rule: You must get a doctor's note from the very first day of illness if you are on vacation, even if your normal contract has a 3-day grace period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
About Oliver
Founder of expats.de, former cooperative bank advisor (Bankfachwirt IHK) with 12 years of banking experience, and a §34d licensed insurance broker. Since 2014, Oliver has helped over 10,000 expats navigate the German financial system. Read Oliver's full story →
Educational Notice & General Advice
This content is educational and reflects analysis based on our 11 years of market experience, our 200,000+ community insights, and current regulatory knowledge.
As a 34d-licensed insurance broker and experienced financial advisor, I provide this guidance in good faith. However, for personalized advice especially regarding insurance, mortgages, or tax-specific decisions—please consult with a qualified financial advisor or tax professional in your specific situation. Past expat experiences and historical market data do not guarantee identical results for your unique circumstances.