Your views: 'You can't be fired for taking too many sick days in Germany'

The German attitude to sickness is a major talking point among foreigners living in the country. 

To many, it is refreshing to see a country allow people to take paid time off when they're sick and to fully recover from the illness, no matter the severity. 

But at the same time, some wonder whether the system is a little too generous – and whether people take advantage of it.

As The Local recently reported, the high rate of sick leave in Germany is shown in official numbers and studies. 

OECD data indicates that Germany records some of the highest numbers of sick days in Europe. According to figures compiled by the IGES institute and health insurer DAK-Gesundheit, on average employees in Germany took 25 paid sick days in 2022 – more than in any of the other countries included in the comparison.

Meanwhile, public health insurance provider AOK’s reports that in 2024, employees in Germany took an average of 23.9 sick days.

READ ALSO: Why do people in Germany take so many sick days

It's not just foreigners who are fascinated by this part of German culture – Germans talk about it too. 

Employers and politicians have been calling for measures to discourage people from taking sick leave for minor ailments. 

They say the high number of absences puts a strain on businesses and the economy.

READ ALSO: Can my company in Germany check on me at home when I’m sick?

'Germans don't want to infect their colleagues'

After publishing our story we received lots of comments from readers. On The Local Germany's Facebook page alone, one post drew nearly 130 comments. Commenters shared their answers to the question: why do people in Germany take so many sick days?

One user named Ingrid said it is simply "because they are sick" and that this is decided by their doctor.

Under Germany’s healthcare rules, employees have to get a sick note from a doctor on the third day of illness but rules vary depending on the workplace. 

READ ALSO: How sick leave pay in Germany compares to other countries in Europe

Employees receive their full salary for up to six weeks when they’re unable to work. If the illness lasts longer, they can then receive Krankengeld, a longer-term sick-leave benefit that provides 70 percent of their regular earnings for an extended period.

Ingrid added: "This safeguards that the employee is in good health while working. That's covered by the health insurance. Germany is one of the most successful countries in the world and the employees are known for their excellent work. That might be one of the reasons."

Some said it's a sign of a caring and functioning society.

Andrea pointed out that Germans take a lot of sick days "because we have a good health system so we can take the sick days we need".

Another commenter, with the username SrVeronika, compared Germany to the United States where "people don't take sick days".

"In Germany the physician prescribes the days of sick leave," they said. "And the labour laws are always an advantage for the employee. You can't be fired because of too many sick days."

However, another social media user, Antoni, pointed out that you can be laid off in Germany in some cases for excessive absences if you're on probation period. 

Johan spelled his answer out in simple terms: "Because they don't want to infect their colleagues."

Another social media user called Linda said the high number of absences are due to the fact that people do still receive their pay when they're off sick, which is not the case in some other countries. 

'System is abused'

Some took a less positive view. 

A commenter named Paul said the idea of paid sick leave is great, but that people take advantage of it. 

"Compassion in Germany is shown by allowing the individual to stay at home and recuperate if they are ill," he said.

"However, the system is very much abused. My wife has signed off many people sick only to witness them carry on their normal working everyday life at home. One colleague was signed off as sick and went on a skiing holiday, posting happy family photos on Whatsapp!"

He urged people to have more compassion for their colleagues who are left picking up the extra work. 

"Compassion is towards your colleagues, the organisation, clients and not just to yourself. I had one colleague, an ex- navy captain, who would regularly come to work with a hangover, but he was productive and one of the best I have worked with.

"The German attitude is very ego-centric and found generally within a very heavy state sector."

A reader called Kristen M quoted the an Economist story on Germans being "champions of calling in sick", which included this quote - "It is easy and it pays well".

"I totally agree with that statement," Kristen said. "And it will only get worse because they also don't want to work.

Some commenters suggested that people working in Germany feel like they're entitled to sick days, partly because health insurance is so expensive. 

Marianne said she is a pensioner now but when was she working, "I always made sure to take my sick days".

Karola added that the high number of sick days is "our entitlement, and we also do not pass on flu and colds to others".

Members of The Local Germany can comment on all articles and on our Facebook page. Your constructive views, advice for others and stories of life in Germany offer a vital contribution to our community of international readers.