HealthGermany

Sick leave and sick pay

Krankmeldung und Lohnfortzahlung

If you are ill you notify your employer at once and get a sick note from the fourth day. Your pay continues for six weeks.

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Overview

One of the most important rights of an employee in Germany is that you do not lose your pay when you are ill. But this right comes with clear duties: you must notify your employer at once, get a medical certificate in time and act honestly.

Many newcomers make mistakes in the notification or the deadlines and receive a warning or lose pay. This guide explains the steps of reporting sick, what the electronic sick note is, when the employer pays and when the health fund pays, and what to do if your child is ill.

1

Reporting sick immediately

You must inform your employer of your illness and the expected length of absence without delay, meaning before working hours start on the first day.

  • It is enough to call your manager or the human resources department or send an email or text message, depending on what is agreed in your company.
  • Do not wait until the end of the day and do not rely on a message to a colleague.
  • You do not have to tell your employer your diagnosis, since that is private medical information.
  • State only that you are ill and unable to work and that you will get the medical certificate if needed.
2

The electronic sick note

If your illness lasts more than three calendar days you must submit a medical certificate (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung) on the following day, and your employer can ask for it from the first day if your contract says so. Since 2023 a statutory patient no longer hands in a paper: the doctor sends the certificate electronically (eAU) to the health fund and the employer retrieves it from there. But it is still up to you to notify your employer yourself and to make sure the doctor issued and sent it. Keep your own copy, which helps if a technical error occurs.

3

Who pays during illness

After four weeks of employment with your employer, your full pay continues for six weeks for each illness (Lohnfortzahlung).

  • After that the health fund pays sickness benefit (Krankengeld) of about seventy percent of gross pay, for up to seventy-eight weeks within three years for the same illness.
  • To receive it the sick notes must follow one another without a gap, otherwise you may lose the right.
  • If you work on a short contract or are in a probation period, ask your fund about your entitlement, because details differ.
4

When your child is ill

Statutory-insured parents have the right to days off to care for a sick child under twelve (Kinderkrankengeld), for which the health fund pays instead.

  • The number of days is set each year per parent and per child and is doubled for a single parent, and the figures change between years so ask your fund.
  • You need a medical certificate stating that the child needs your care.
  • Notify your employer at once as in your own illness and hand in the certificate in time.
  • Some employers give extra flexibility, so ask your manager.
5

Returning to work and protection from dismissal

You may not be dismissed because you had an ordinary illness, though long, repeated absence can be a valid reason in limited cases.

  • If you are absent more than six weeks in a year, your employer must offer you an integration programme (BEM) to help you return.
  • There is also a gradual return (Wiedereingliederung) with fewer hours under a doctor's supervision.
  • Do not work while sick and do not travel without the doctor's permission, because it may count as a breach and lead to a warning.
  • Keep all your papers and do not hesitate to ask a union or an advice centre for help in any dispute.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Call your employer before working hours begin on the first day of illness.

  2. 2

    See a doctor the same day if your illness will last more than three days.

  3. 3

    Make sure the doctor sent the electronic certificate and keep your copy.

  4. 4

    Tell your employer the expected length of absence and any extension immediately.

  5. 5

    Renew the certificates without a gap if the illness lasts long.

  6. 6

    Report back on your return and discuss a gradual return plan if needed.

Documents checklist

  • The sick note (your copy of the eAU).
  • The electronic health insurance card.
  • The employment contract and the company's absence policy.
  • A certificate of the child's illness when needed.

Key vocabulary

  • dieKrankmeldung
    sick notification
  • dieKrankschreibung
    sick note
  • dieArbeitsunfähigkeit
    inability to work
  • dieLohnfortzahlung
    continued pay
  • dasKrankengeld
    sickness benefit
  • dieKrankenkasse
    health insurance fund
  • dasKinderkrankengeld
    child sickness benefit
  • dieWiedereingliederung
    gradual return to work
  • derVorgesetzter
    line manager
  • dieGenesung
    recovery
  • dieDiagnose
    diagnosis

Useful phrases

  • Ich bin krank und kann heute nicht arbeiten.I am ill and cannot work today.
  • Ich hole mir eine Krankschreibung beim Arzt.I will get a sick note from the doctor.
  • Ich bin voraussichtlich bis Freitag krank.I expect to be ill until Friday.
  • Mein Kind ist krank, ich muss zu Hause bleiben.My child is ill and I have to stay at home.
  • Ich melde mich, sobald ich wieder arbeiten kann.I will get in touch as soon as I can work again.
  • Die Krankschreibung wird elektronisch übermittelt.The sick note is sent electronically.

Reporting sick by phone

  • Chef

    Müller, guten Morgen.Müller speaking, good morning.

  • Sie

    Guten Morgen, Herr Müller. Ich bin leider krank und kann heute nicht kommen.Good morning, Mr Müller. Unfortunately I am ill and cannot come in today.

  • Chef

    Das tut mir leid. Wie lange, denken Sie, dauert es?I am sorry to hear that. How long do you think it will last?

  • Sie

    Ich gehe heute zum Arzt und melde mich danach mit der Krankschreibung.I am going to the doctor today and will get in touch afterwards with the sick note.

  • Chef

    Gut, gute Besserung!Good, get well soon!

  • Sie

    Danke, ich melde mich morgen.Thank you, I will be in touch tomorrow.

Common mistakes

  • Reporting sick in the middle of the day instead of before work, which can count as a breach of duty.
  • Leaving a gap of one day between two sick notes, so that sickness benefit stops.
  • Posting photos of a trip or activity on social media while sick, which can be used against you.
  • Believing that an employee must explain the illness to the employer, which is not required.

Cultural tips

  • Keep your manager's number and the HR email in your phone so that you can report quickly.
  • Ask your fund about free telephone medical advice when you are ill.
  • Take a gradual return seriously, since full recovery protects your job in the long term.
  • If you are unsure of your rights, call a union or a workers' advice centre.

Official links

Check yourself

Question 1 of 5

When do you tell your employer you are ill?