Hand in your sickness certificate: how to do it right

Being sick is never fun, even when it's just a cough and a slight fever. Those who can work from home usually choose to work from home when the symptoms are mild (because Covid-19 has at least taught us that it's better not to spread germs). Whether the symptoms are mild and you can't work from home or if the symptoms are so severe that you can't work at all - you need to know how to deal with sick days in Germany.

If you are ill and cannot go to work, you must send your employer a sick bill. But how exactly does this work? What rules apply? And what happens if you are ill for a longer period of time? Here you can find out everything you need to know about sick notes.

Hand in your sickness certificate: How does it work?

As soon as you realize that you are ill and cannot work, you must inform your employer immediately. You need a certificate of incapacity for work (AU), also known as a sick bill, by the fourth day of illness at the latest (earlier in some companies). You will receive this from your doctor, either in paper form or as a digital AU (eAU), which is sent directly to your health insurance company and employer.

Make sure you adhere to your employer's deadlines. Some companies require you to submit your sick note on the first, second or third day of illness. A look at your employment contract or the collective agreement in the skilled trades sector can provide you with clarity.

All the rules on sickness certificates

In Germany, there are clear legal requirements for sick leave that may differ from those you are used to, even if you have previously worked in another European country:

• Notify your employer: Immediately inform them by phone or e-mail (tip: put it in writing! As the Romans would say: verba volant, scripta manent - words pass, what is written remains).
• Hand in a sick bill: as I said, you need a sick bill from your doctor on the fourth day of illness at the latest (unless your employer specifies otherwise).
• Extension: If you are ill for a longer period, you will need a new sickness certificate. This must be complete.
• Continued payment of salary: You will continue to receive your salary for up to six weeks. After that, the health insurance fund will pay sick pay.

Important: If you fall ill abroad, special rules apply. 

Long-term sick leave for long-term illnesses

If an illness lasts longer than six weeks, the continued payment of wages by the employer ends. You will then receive sick pay from the statutory health insurance fund, which amounts to around 70% of your gross salary. In the case of very long illnesses, it may be necessary to apply for a reduced earning capacity pension.

‍Along-term illness can be both physical and mental. If you are on sick leave due to mental health problems such as depression, your employer cannot simply dismiss you. If you are unsure, you can also seek advice from the works council. If you have problems with your employer, you can also file a complaint with the works council.

‍Job prospectsafter long-term illness and job search in Germany

‍Returningto work after a long illness can be challenging. Many employers offer company integration management (BEM) to make it easier to get back to work. If you would like to reorient yourself professionally after a long illness, WorkerHero offers a platform for skilled workers from the skilled trades and other industries.

‍Ifyou are interested in a new job or would like to know more about your rights in Germany, you can find lots of helpful information at WorkerHero. Find out how the healthcare system works in Germany or search for suitable jobs in your field.