Sick leave and inability to work
This article was automatically translated from German using artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed in this language. The German version is authoritative.
Inability to work means that you are sick or injured and cannot perform your job. This can be the case, for example, with fever, severe pain, or after an accident.
Whether you are unable to work is always decided by a doctor. You will then receive a sick note (AU). It states how long you are expected not to be able to work. This certificate is important for your employer, your health insurance, and your financial security.
How to report sick
If you are sick, you must inform your employer immediately. It is best to call briefly and let them know that you are sick and how long you are expected to be absent.
In many cases, sick leave is now handled digitally via the so-called eAU. The doctor's practice transmits the data directly to the health insurance company, and your employer retrieves it from there. However, you must always report sick to your employer yourself. The exact deadlines may vary depending on the company or employment contract.
Your illness remains private
Your health information is part of your private sphere. You are not obligated to tell your employer what illness you have.
It is sufficient to inform them that you are sick and how long you are expected to be absent. You do not need to provide further details.
What this means for your job
Even if you are sick, your employment relationship continues. You remain employed, and your contract continues unchanged.
However, during this time you have certain obligations. You must report sick correctly, actively work on your recovery, and avoid anything that could delay your healing. If you comply with these requirements, you generally do not need to worry about your job.
Your salary during illness
If you are sick and cannot work, you will continue to receive your salary for the first period.
This means:
- Your employer pays for up to 6 weeks
- You must have been employed for at least 4 weeks
- The illness must not be self-inflicted
This is called continued payment of wages in case of illness.
If you are sick for longer, your health insurance will take over the payments.
Money from the health insurance
If you are sick for longer, you will receive sick pay from your health insurance.
The most important points:
- from the 7th week of illness
- about 70% of your gross salary
- with a maximum amount
- a maximum of 78 weeks within 3 years
It is important that your sick notes are continuous. Submit all documents on time.
Sick during vacation
If you fall ill during your vacation, you will not lose those vacation days. However, there is a prerequisite for this.
You must report sick to your employer immediately, see a doctor, and obtain a medical certificate. Only the days on which you are demonstrably ill will not be counted as vacation. You can make up these days later.
If your child is sick
If your child is sick, you are allowed to stay home to care for them.
This applies:
- 15 days per child and parent per year
- a maximum of 35 days in total
- Single parents: 30 days per child
You will receive child sickness benefit during this time.
A prerequisite is that a doctor confirms that your child is sick and needs care. Additionally, no other person must be able to take over the care.
Since 2024: If your child is in the hospital and you are with them, there are often additional entitlements.