Guide to sick leave in Germany: what are your rights & how does it work?

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Getting sick leave for the first time in Germany can be stressful, especially if you’re new to the system. Sick leave is a legal right, and knowing how it works protects your health, income, and peace of mind.

In this guide for employees & freelancers, you’ll learn step by step how sick leave works, how to get paid, and what paperwork to handle, all in plain language for newcomers. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do if illness strikes so you can focus on recovery instead of deadlines.

If you still have questions, feel free to use the comments section. I answer each question personally.

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Bastien – Settle in Berlin

Sick leave & sick pay in Germany – TL;DR

This guide tries to be comprehensive. Here are the main nuggets of information:

  • Employees get the first 6 weeks sick pay paid by employer; afterwards, statutory health insurance covers Krankengeld.
  • Notify your employer as soon as you’re sick; you don’t have to share the reason.
  • See a doctor and get a sick note (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung, AU).
  • Parents: Kinderkrankengeld covers lost income if your child is sick.
  • Freelancers & self-employed: No automatic sick pay, you need to opt-in for Krankentagegeld.
  • Unemployed people: you are also eligiible to sick pay
  • Keep copies of all notes and submit them promptly to avoid delays.
sick leave and sick pay overview Germany

The basics

In Germany, sick leave (Krankenzeit) is a legal right designed to protect your health and income, as defined in the Entgeltfortzahlungsgesetz (EFZG) (the Continued Remuneration Act).

Employees are entitled to continued full pay for the first six weeks, paid for by the employer. If you remain sick beyond that, your health insurance may provide sick pay (Krankengeld) to replace a portion of your income.

Krankengeld: how long & how much

Depending on your German health insurance provider, this may look a little bit different.

With public health Insurance (GKV)

  • Employer pays full salary for the first 6 weeks.
  • After 6 weeks, sick pay (Krankengeld) covers ~70% of gross income (up to 90% net), capped daily (135.63 EUR in 2026).
  • Can be claimed up to 78 weeks for the same illness within 3 years.
  • Child sick pay (Kinderkrankengeld) is included.

With private health Insurance (PKV)

  • Employer pays full salary for the first 6 weeks.
  • After 6 weeks, sick pay is not automatic: you must have a Krankentagegeld add-on in your plan.
  • Waiting periods, daily caps, and coverage vary by insurer.
  • Child sick pay is only included if your policy specifies it.
Public (GKV)Private (PKV)
Sick pay coverageStatutory, up to 78 weeksOnly if Krankentagegeld included
Child sick payYesOnly if in plan
Doctor feesMostly coveredMay require co-pays or reimbursements
PaperworkStandard formsInsurer-specific forms
Sick leave comparison: private vs public health insurance in Germany

Sick leave rules for employees

If you’re unable to work, notify your employer immediately: a simple phone call or email is enough. Prefer a written form. You don’t need to explain your illness, only that you are taking sick leave.

Most workplaces require a doctor’s certificate (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung, AU) from the 3rd day of illnesses only. Some employers require this earlier as part of the work contract. Many doctors now send this note electronically to your insurer, and some employers also need a copy.

All employees (full-time, part-time, or apprentices) qualify after 4 weeks of work.

Sick leave for parents (Kinderkrankengeld)

If your child under 12 falls ill, parents may claim Kinderkrankengeld, covering roughly 90% of lost income. Typical entitlement:

  • 15 days per child per year (35 total per parent)
  • 30 per child for single parents (70 total per parent)

Requirements:

  • Doctor’s note confirming the child’s illness.
  • Proof that no other household member can provide care.

Example: If you have two children and your partner can’t care for them, you could claim up to 15 days each. Single parents get double that.

Sick leave for freelancers in Germany

To receive Krankengeld, freelancers must opt-into their health insurer confirming they want this coverage. Without it, they have no entitlement to sick pay.

Choosing the Krankengeld option means paying the general contribution rate with a public Krankenkasse (Krankengeld-Wahltarif), which is about 0.6 percentage points higher (may differ on the provider) than the reduced rate that doesn’t include sick pay. It includes the same benefits as what employees have listed above, starting after the 6th week of incapacity to work (with a public health insurance provider). Coverage with a private provider may vary.

Sick leave for the unemployed

If you are receiving unemployment benefits (Arbeitslosengeld I) and are sick for more than six weeks, the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) continues to pay your unemployment benefit during the first six weeks (§ 146 SGB III). After that, your health insurance takes over with sick pay (Krankengeld)

Paperwork & step‑by-step process

  1. Notify your employer immediately (phone/email). Freelancers must notify their health insurance directly after the 6th week.
  2. Visit a doctor and obtain your sick note (AU-Bescheinigung).
  3. Submit the note to employer and health insurer if necessary. This is usually done digitally now.
  4. Follow up with additional certificates if your illness continues.

For child sick pay: attach the child’s doctor note and proof of insurance. Deadlines matter: late submissions can delay payment.

FAQs about sick leave in Germany

Can I take sick leave without a doctor’s note?

This is usually allowed for up to 3 days for minor illness; after that, a doctor’s certificate is required by law. Check your work contract; some employers require a sick note after the 1st day.

What if I’m sick over a weekend or holiday?

Sick leave counts from the first day, including weekends and public holidays. Sick days don’t reduce vacation days if properly documented with a doctor’s certificate. You can readjust your paid leave credit after you proved that you were sick during those holidays.

Does my employer see my diagnosis?

No, only the fact that you’re unable to work.

Can I work from home while sick?

A Krankschreibung (doctor’s sick note) does not technically prohibits working, but a medical prediction about how long you’re likely to be unable to work. So if you genuinely feel well before the end of the sick note, you can return to work earlier. Otherwise, it is just better to rest. Take care of yourself.

Do I need to stay in bed all day while I am on sick leave?

When you’re on sick leave (Krankschreibung), the rule of thumb is simple: rest and take care of yourself. Your doctor has issued the sick note because your body needs recovery, so returning to work too early can backfire – prolonging your illness or even complicating insurance coverage.

That said, “staying home” doesn’t mean you have to lie in bed all day. Gentle errands, light movement, or simple household tasks are usually fine, as long as they don’t strain your health. Travel could also be deemed acceptable if it’s improve health (thermal cure for example).

Sick leave & sick pay Germany – references and sources

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