Germany Sick Leave Reform 2025: What Workers Need to Know

Introduction

If you work in Germany, sick leave rules are part of your daily professional life. The current system requires employees to provide a medical certificate — a Krankschreibung — after three consecutive days of illness. Now, the federal government is proposing reforms to this system, and the debate is getting heated. Trade unions, doctors' associations, and even members of the ruling CDU/CSU-SPD coalition have raised objections. For expats and foreign workers in Germany, understanding how these changes could affect your rights is essential.

What Is the Proposed Reform?

The exact details of the reform are still being debated, but the core proposals discussed include tightening the conditions under which employees can receive sick pay (Krankengeld) and potentially shortening the period before a medical certificate is required. The government has framed the reform as a way to reduce absenteeism and control costs for employers and the social insurance system.

However, critics argue that the current system already strikes a fair balance between worker protection and employer interests. Doctors' associations warn that pushing patients to come in earlier for certificates — when they are genuinely ill — could increase the spread of infectious diseases in workplaces and overwhelm GP surgeries.

Who Is Opposing the Reform?

Opposition has come from multiple directions, which is unusual and politically significant:

• Trade unions (Gewerkschaften): Major unions argue the reform undermines hard-won workers' rights and could pressure sick employees to return to work before they have fully recovered.
• Doctors and medical associations: GPs warn about the practical burden of issuing certificates for patients who are clearly unwell, and about the health risks of employees attending work while sick.
• Within the coalition itself: Perhaps most notably, voices inside the CDU/CSU-SPD governing coalition have also expressed reservations, suggesting the reform may face significant revisions — or may not pass in its current form at all.

This level of cross-sector resistance makes it uncertain whether and when the reform will actually become law.

What Does This Mean for Expats and Foreign Workers?

If you are employed in Germany under a standard work contract, the sick leave system affects you directly:

• Your right to sick pay: Under current law, your employer must continue paying your full salary for up to six weeks if you are ill and provide a valid Krankschreibung. After six weeks, your Krankenversicherung (health insurance) takes over with Krankengeld payments.
• Certificate requirements: Currently, you generally need a doctor's certificate from the fourth day of illness. Some employers require one from day one — check your employment contract.
• No change yet: As of now, no reform has been passed. The current rules remain in force. However, it is worth following the news closely if you are employed in Germany.

For workers on limited-term contracts or those in probationary periods, sick leave protection can be more precarious, so understanding your specific situation is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Krankschreibung from day one if I'm sick?

Under current law, employers can request a medical certificate from the first day of illness, but by default it is required from the fourth consecutive day. Your individual employment contract or collective bargaining agreement (Tarifvertrag) may set different rules — always check your contract.

Will the reform take away my sick pay?

No proposal currently on the table would eliminate the fundamental right to sick pay (Entgeltfortzahlung). The reform focuses more on the certification process and the conditions for receiving Krankengeld from health insurance after six weeks. However, details are still being debated and no final law has been passed.

Where can I get reliable advice about my sick leave rights?

Your trade union (if you are a member) is an excellent first point of contact. You can also consult the works council (Betriebsrat) at your company if one exists, or seek advice from a German employment lawyer (Fachanwalt für Arbeitsrecht).

Conclusion and Next Steps

The proposed Krankschreibung reform is not yet law, and strong opposition from unions, doctors, and coalition partners means it could change significantly or stall entirely. For now, your sick leave rights remain unchanged. That said, it is wise to:

1. Review your employment contract to understand your current sick leave obligations.
2. Check whether your employer has specific rules about when a certificate is required.
3. Stay informed as the legislative debate continues — Deutschland4U will keep you updated.
4. If you have concerns about your specific situation, contact your union, Betriebsrat, or a qualified employment lawyer.

Source: Tagesschau