Leave & time off in Germany

Anyone working in Germany is legally entitled to time off for holidays, sickness and care, as well as following the birth of a child. It’s worth understanding your rights to paid leave in Germany. 

Vacation days in Germany

Variously known as annual leave, paid time off or holiday leave, vacation days are a legal entitlement for all employees in Germany. Indeed, employees in Germany enjoy some of the most generous holiday allowances in the world. Taking paid time off work comes with its own set of rules and regulations, however, so it’s worth understanding the protocols involved. 

Sick leave in Germany

In Germany, you are entitled to take time off work when you are sick so that you can stay home and recover. You might find that people are more open to calling in sick in Germany than they are in your home country. Find out how sick leave works in Germany, and how you should call in sick.

Maternity leave in Germany

All mothers in Germany are required to take at least 14 weeks of maternity leave before and after the birth of their child. During this time you receive the maternity benefit. Find out how maternity leave works in Germany, and which special employment protections you are covered by during your pregnancy.

Parental leave in Germany

Parents in Germany can also take advantage of the generous parental leave scheme offered by the government: depending on circumstances, you can take up to three years of parental leave in Germany per child. During this time, your loss of earnings is (partially) covered by the parental allowance.