Germany
Capital
Berlin
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Date format
dd/mm/yyyy
Region
EMEA
Minimum holiday entitlement
20
Paid public holidays per year
10
Additional leave compliance rules and complexities
Annual leave
Though employers are allowed to set their own rules, employees are generally allowed to carry over their untaken paid leave days until March 31 in the following calendar year. All German states observe 9 national holidays, though some states observe more.
Sick leave
The employer covers the first 6 weeks of sick leave at 100% of the employer’s regular salary. Employees must provide a doctor’s note if they’re ill for more than three consecutive days.
Maternity and paternity leave
Mothers can take up to six weeks leave at full pay before their child is born, and up to 8 weeks at full pay after the birth. There are no specific rules for paternity leave, but fathers can divide up to 36 months of parental leave with the mother if they want.