How are sick days handled in Germany?

Sick leave (krankheitsbedingte Arbeitsunfähigkeit) is a standard part of employment and social security in Germany. Here’s a simplified overview of how it works:

1. Notification Requirements
Employees must inform their employer as soon as possible on the first day of illness—ideally before the start of the workday. The message should include how long they expect to be off work.

2. Logging Sick Leave in the Horizons Platform
Employees are required to log their sick leave directly in the Horizons platform and ensure that their line manager approves the sick days. Sick leave should be submitted as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing and payroll.

3. Medical Certificate (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung / AU)
If an employee is sick for more than three calendar days, they must provide a medical certificate by the fourth day. Some employers may ask for it earlier, depending on the contract.
For employees publicly insured in Germany, doctors now send this certificate electronically (eAU) to the health insurance provider, and employers retrieve it directly from the insurer.
Employees with private or foreign insurance (or those working remotely for a foreign employer) still need to submit the certificate manually.

4. Continued Salary Payment (Entgeltfortzahlung)
Employees are usually entitled to receive their full salary for up to six weeks per illness. This applies once the employee has worked for at least four weeks before getting sick.

5. Sickness Benefits (Krankengeld)
If the illness lasts longer than six weeks, the statutory health insurance provides sickness benefits—typically 70% of the gross salary, up to a legal maximum. These benefits are paid directly by the insurance provider.

6. Privacy and Confidentiality
Employers are only entitled to know the duration of the illness, not the diagnosis or medical details. All medical information must be handled confidentially.

7. Protection from Dismissal
Employees are generally protected from being dismissed while on certified sick leave. However, long-term sickness-related dismissals can occur under strict legal conditions.

8. Return to Work
Employees must notify their employer once they are able to return to work. A formal clearance or “fit note” is not always required unless requested.

9. Rehabilitation and Reintegration
For long-term illness, health insurance providers may support rehabilitation or offer a gradual return-to-work program (known as the "Hamburger Modell").

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How are sick days handled in Germany?