SickDayRegeln

SickDayRegeln, commonly known as the "sick day rules," refer to guidelines established in Germany to manage absences from work or school due to illness. These rules are primarily governed by labor law and social security regulations, ensuring fair treatment for employees and employers while maintaining productivity and health standards.

In the workplace, employees in Germany are entitled to take time off if they are ill, but they must inform their employer promptly. The standard practice is to notify the employer by telephone on the first day of sickness, followed by a written doctor’s certificate (Arztattest) within a specified period, typically three days for short-term illnesses. This certificate confirms the duration of the illness and the inability to work. Employers may require such documentation to verify the absence, especially if it exceeds a certain number of days, often three consecutive days.

For employees, sick leave is generally covered by statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung), which compensates for lost wages during the initial days of illness. After a waiting period of six weeks of employment, employees receive sickness benefit (Krankengeld) from their health insurer, covering up to 70% of their net salary, capped at a maximum amount. Employers are not obligated to pay wages during this period but may choose to do so as part of their benefits.

In schools, students are expected to inform their teachers or parents if they are unwell and may need to stay home. While there is no strict legal framework for student absences, schools often require a doctor’s note for prolonged absences to ensure the student’s well-being and prevent unnecessary disruption to their education.

Adhering to SickDayRegeln helps maintain transparency and trust between employees, employers, and healthcare providers, ensuring that illness-related absences are handled efficiently and fairly.