Minimum leave is set by the Federal Leave Act (Bundesurlaubsgesetz). Contracts and collective agreements often give more – 25 to 30 days are common in full-time jobs.
How many days do you get at least?
- With a five-day week, at least 20 working days a year. The law counts six working days a week (24 days).
- If you work fewer days a week, it is converted: 24 × working days per week ÷ 6. Working three days a week gives you at least twelve days – also four full weeks off.
- Minijobs and part-time jobs have the same entitlement.
- Public holidays do not count as leave days.
- Employees with a severe disability get five extra days.
Leave in the first six months
- The full entitlement starts after six months (waiting period).
- Before that you earn one twelfth of your annual leave for every full month. With your employer's agreement you can take it earlier.
- When you change jobs you get a leave certificate (Urlaubsbescheinigung), so leave is not granted twice.
Requesting leave
- Your employer sets your leave dates but must take your wishes into account. They can only refuse for urgent business reasons or because other employees' wishes take priority, such as parents during school holidays.
- Request leave in writing and wait for approval. Taking leave without approval can get you dismissed.
- You are entitled to at least two weeks in a row if you have enough days.
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Does unused leave expire?
- Leave should be taken in the same calendar year. For urgent business or personal reasons it carries over until 31 March.
- Important: your employer must tell you clearly and in good time about your remaining leave and when it will expire. If they do not, your leave does not expire.
- During long illness, leave is kept for up to 15 months after the end of the leave year.
Ill on holiday
If you get ill on holiday and have a doctor's certificate, the sick days do not count as leave. Tell your employer straight away – from abroad too. More: calling in sick in Germany
Unused leave when you change jobs
- You can take remaining leave during your notice period – agree it with your employer.
- If that is no longer possible, your employer must pay it out (Urlaubsabgeltung). Check your final payslip. More: resigning in Germany
Frequently asked questions
Can my employer refuse my leave request?+
Yes, for urgent business reasons or because other employees' wishes take priority. But they cannot stop you taking leave altogether – you must be able to take it during the year.
Can I have my leave paid out instead?+
Not while you are still employed – statutory leave is meant for rest. Leave is only paid out if it can no longer be taken when the employment ends.
Do minijobbers get paid leave?+
Yes. Minijobs come with the statutory leave entitlement and normal pay for leave days. The number of days depends on how many days a week you work.
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