🔥 Trending Germany's New Sick Leave Policy Explained

Germany has recently implemented significant reforms to its sick leave policy, making it mandatory for employees to obtain a medical certificate from the first day of illness to be excused from work ¹²³. These changes are part of a broader economic reform package introduced by Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition government, aiming to boost productivity and address high absenteeism ⁴⁷.

Key Changes to Germany's Sick Leave Policy

The new regulations, which came into effect as of July 2026, represent a notable shift from Germany's previously employee-friendly policies ⁵.

Medical Certificate Required from Day One

Previously, employees could often be absent for up to three days without needing a doctor's note, depending on company policy or collective agreements. Under the new rules, a medical certificate (Attest) is now required from the very first day of illness ¹³⁷. This means that if an employee calls in sick, they must immediately seek medical attention and provide their employer with a doctor's note to justify their absence ²⁵.

End of Telephone Sick Leave

A significant change is the abolition of the "telephone sick leave" option ³⁷. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Germany had introduced a temporary measure allowing employees to obtain a sick note via a phone consultation for minor ailments. This practice has now been discontinued, reinforcing the requirement for an in-person or direct medical assessment to certify illness ³.

Context and Rationale Behind the Reforms

These stricter sick leave rules are part of a comprehensive 34-point reform package designed to revitalize the German economy, which has been facing stagnation ⁴⁶.

Boosting Productivity and Combating Absenteeism

Chancellor Merz and his government have highlighted the need to address high absenteeism rates, which they believe have negatively impacted economic output ⁷. By requiring immediate medical certification, the government aims to reduce short-term, unverified absences and encourage a more responsible approach to sick leave ⁷.

Broader Economic Reform Package

The sick leave changes are not isolated but are integrated into a wider set of reforms that also include:

• Tax Relief: An estimated €10 billion in tax relief for families ⁴⁸.
• Pension Overhaul: Adjustments to the pension system ⁴⁶⁸.
• Bureaucracy Cuts: Measures to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for businesses and citizens ⁴.

The government's stance is that these reforms are necessary because the country "can no longer afford" the previous system, implying a need for greater economic efficiency and responsibility ⁶.

Impact and Debate

The new policy has sparked considerable debate within Germany ³. While proponents argue it will help curb abuse of sick leave and improve economic output, critics express concerns about increased pressure on the healthcare system and potential burdens on employees, particularly those with minor, self-limiting illnesses who may now feel compelled to visit a doctor unnecessarily ³. Employers are now empowered to request a doctor's note from day one, making this a universal requirement rather than a discretionary one ⁷.