This guide explains how vacations work for employees in Germany.
Vacation days
In Germany, all employees get paid vacation days1.
| Work days | Minimum vacation days |
|---|---|
| 1 day per week | 4 days per year |
| 2 days per week | 8 days per year |
| 3 days per week | 12 days per year |
| 4 days per week | 16 days per year |
| 5 days per week | 20 days per year |
| 6 days per week | 24 days per year |
If you work 5 days per week, you get at least 20 vacation days per year1. Most full-time employees get 25 to 30 vacation days1. Employees under 18 years old get more vacation days.
When you get a job offer, you can negotiate more vacation days.
When you start a new job, your vacation days days are prorated: you unlock 1/12 of your vacation days every month1. This is true even if you don't have a probation period. After 6 months, you can use all of your vacation days1. More information here.
You must use your vacation days
You must use all your vacation days before the end of the calendar year1.
Sometimes, there is an emergency at work, and that's not possible. In that case, you have until March 31 the next year to use your vacation days.
Some employers let you save some of your vacation days for another year.
Your employer must let you take at least one 2 week long vacation per year1. They can't force you to only take short vacations.
You must ask your employer
Before you go on vacation, you need permission from your employer1. Don't plan your trip before your employer approves your vacation!
In some companies, you just ask your manager. In other companies, you request vacations on a website, and your manager approves the request. It's different for every employer.
If you take a long vacation, tell your employer a long time in advance. If you only take a few days off, it's less important. Some employers are more flexible than others.
Your employer can refuse to let you take vacations if…1, 2
- The timing causes serious problems
For example, if you take vacations during the busiest period of the year. - Another employee has priority
For example, parents need to take vacations at the same time as their children, so they have priority during school holidays1, 2.
Public holidays
German employees also get 10 to 13 paid public holidays every year. Each state has different public holidays.
On public holidays, you don't work, but you still get paid. You celebrate the holidays of the state where you work, even if you live in a different state1.
Sabbatical leave
Sabbatical leave is a long, unpaid vacation from work. People usually
take a sabbatical to travel, study, relax, or work on personal projects.
Sick leave
If you are sick, you get paid sick leave. You don't need to use your vacation days.