If you are sick and unable to work in Germany, there is a clear and structured process you should follow. Understanding how sick leave works not only protects your health but also ensures you receive continued salary payments and avoid unnecessary issues with your employer.
This guide explains how to get a sick note (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung) in Germany, what your responsibilities are, and what both employees and employers should know.
1. Inform Your Employer as Soon as Possible
If you feel too ill to go to work, the first step is always to inform your employer immediately.
This should be done as early as possible on the first day of illness—ideally before your workday starts.
Most employers accept:
- A phone call
- An email
- A message via internal systems (Slack, Teams, etc.)
At this stage, you do not need to disclose your medical condition—simply stating that you are unfit for work is sufficient.
2. Visit a Doctor or Medical Facility
If your health condition allows it, you should then visit:
- Your general practitioner (Hausarzt)
- A specialist doctor, if relevant
- A medical clinic or outpatient facility (Ambulanz)
The doctor will:
- Assess and treat your medical condition
- Determine whether you are unable to work
- Issue a sick note for a specific period of time
The duration of the sick leave is decided solely by the doctor, based on your health status.
3. Sick Leave and Salary Continuation in Germany
In Germany, employees are generally entitled to continued salary payments during illness (Entgeltfortzahlung im Krankheitsfall).
Key points:
- Employers must continue paying your full salary for up to 6 weeks
- This applies as long as the employment relationship has existed for at least 4 weeks
- After 6 weeks, health insurance may step in with sick pay (Krankengeld)
This system ensures financial security while you focus on recovery.
4. What If You Are Still Sick?
If you do not recover within the period stated on your sick note, you must visit the doctor again before it expires.
Important:
- Sick notes cannot be backdated indefinitely
- A follow-up visit ensures continuous documentation
- Gaps in sick leave may lead to payment or insurance issues
5. Submitting the Sick Note to Your Employer
Digital Submission Is Recommended
To avoid misunderstandings or complications, you should submit your sick note as quickly as possible.
Best practice:
- Send it digitally via email
- This provides a clear sending record in case of disputes
- Many employers explicitly prefer digital submission
Electronic Sick Note (eAU) – Important Update
In Germany, most doctors now issue electronic sick notes (eAU) directly to health insurance providers. Employers can retrieve this information digitally.
However:
- You are still responsible for informing your employer
- Some employers may still request confirmation or documentation
- Always follow your company’s internal sick leave policy
6. Returning to Work
Once you return to work, it is advisable to:
- Bring a physical copy of the sick note if available
- Clarify any remaining administrative questions
- Ensure HR has correctly documented your absence
This helps maintain transparency and prevents future issues.
Final Tips to Avoid Problems
- Inform your employer immediately
- Visit a doctor promptly
- Do not let sick notes expire without follow-up
- Prefer digital communication for proof
- Always check your employment contract or company guidelines
Conclusion
Getting a sick note in Germany is a straightforward process—but timing, communication, and documentation matter. By acting promptly and following best practices, you protect both your health and your employment rights.
If you are unsure, it’s always better to communicate early rather than late.