In Germany, calling in sick is not just a phone call. It is the beginning of a formal process governed by specific rules — rules that many expats don't discover until they've already violated one.
The vocabulary below covers the entire sick leave process: from the moment you realise you're too unwell to work, through the doctor's appointment, through the notifications you must give, to the rules around extended absence. It is among the most practically important vocabulary an employed expat in Germany can have.
The Core Document
Krankschreibung — the colloquial term for being certified sick, or for the certificate itself. Technically the process; in everyday speech, also the piece of paper.
Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung (AU) — the formal, legal name for the sick leave certificate. Translated literally: "certificate of inability to work." This is the document your doctor issues confirming that you are medically unfit to work, specifying the period of your absence.
Gelber Schein — the "yellow form." The informal name for the paper sick note, based on its traditional yellow colour. Still used even though much of the process is now digital.
eAU — elektronische Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung. The digital sick note, now standard in Germany. Since January 2023, doctors transmit the certificate electronically to your Krankenkasse (health insurance), which then notifies your employer. In most cases, you no longer need to hand a paper form to anyone — but confirm with your employer whether they want a copy anyway.
The Rules
Krankmeldepflicht — the legal obligation to notify your employer that you are sick. This must happen on the first day of illness, before your regular working hours begin if possible. Failure to notify can be a disciplinary issue.
"Ich bin krank und kann heute nicht arbeiten." — I am ill and cannot work today. This is the minimum you communicate to your employer or their representative.
Attest ab dem ersten Tag — a sick note required from the first day of absence. Some employers include a clause in their employment contracts (Arbeitsvertrag) requiring a sick note from day one rather than day three. Check your contract. Most German employees are legally entitled to three days before a doctor's certificate is required, but employers can specify otherwise.
Spätestens am dritten Tag — by the third day at the latest. The statutory default: if you are absent for three or more days, you must have a Krankschreibung and present it to your employer (or have it transmitted electronically) by the fourth day at the latest. The certificate usually runs from the first day of absence, not from the date you visit the doctor.
At the Doctor
Ich brauche eine Krankschreibung. — I need a sick note.
Ich bin seit [Datum] krank. — I have been ill since [date].
Ich glaube, ich bin arbeitunfähig. — I believe I am unfit to work.
Your doctor will certify the period of absence. If you need an extension — you're still ill when the certificate expires — you must return to the doctor for a Folgebescheinigung (follow-up certificate / extension).
Folgebescheinigung — follow-up sick note extending the absence period.
Erstbescheinigung — the initial sick note.
During Sick Leave
Entgeltfortzahlung — continued pay during sick leave. German law requires your employer to continue paying your full salary for the first six weeks of each illness. This right requires that you have been employed for at least four weeks.
Krankengeld — sick pay from your Krankenkasse, paid from the seventh week of illness onward. Typically 70% of your gross salary (but not more than 90% of your net salary), up to a statutory maximum. Paid for up to 78 weeks per illness within a three-year period.
Karenztag — a waiting day without pay at the start of sick leave. Germany does not have one by law (unlike France, which has one); full pay begins on day one. Some countries and some contractual arrangements do include waiting days — worth checking your own situation.
Hausbesuche durch den MDK — visits by the Medizinischer Dienst der Krankenkassen (the health insurance medical review service). If your Krankenkasse has doubts about your incapacity, they can send a reviewer to check on you. This is rare but legal. During sick leave, you should generally be at home during working hours if not undergoing treatment.
Genesungsurlaub — recovery permitted during sick leave, under specific conditions. You can travel within Germany or sometimes abroad if the travel supports your recovery and you have informed your Krankenkasse. Discretionary; get approval in writing.
When It Gets Complicated
Kündigung während Krankheit — dismissal during sick leave. This is legal in Germany. Sick leave does not protect you from termination. However, a dismissal for the reason of the illness itself (krankheitsbedingte Kündigung) requires specific criteria to be met (chronic illness, significant operational disruption, no prospect of recovery). German employment law here is complex; consult a Fachanwalt für Arbeitsrecht (employment lawyer) if this arises.
Wiedereingliederung — reintegration. A formal, gradual return to work after extended illness, under a medically supervised plan (Hamburger Modell). The employer, doctor, and Krankenkasse agree a schedule of increasing working hours over several weeks.
Berufsgenossenschaft (BG) — the statutory accident insurance body. Covers workplace accidents and occupational illness, separately from regular sick leave. If your illness is work-related, this may be relevant.
The sick leave system in Germany protects employees far better than many other countries. But it requires you to follow the process correctly — the notifications, the timeline, the documents. Missing a step creates problems that the vocabulary above helps you avoid.
German workplace vocabulary is its own category — and sick leave is part of it. Vokabulo helps you prepare for the conversations that matter at work, from day one to day sick. Available on iPhone and iPad.
