Vacation entitlement: How much vacation you are entitled to

Whether you work as an electrician, machine operator, manager, pharmacist or delivery person - vacation is your right. But many employees don't know exactly how many days off they are really entitled to or what happens if they fall ill. Especially if you are new to Germany or work part-time, it is important to know your rights.

In this article, we explain how to calculate your vacation entitlement, what applies according to the law and what you need to bear in mind in special cases such as a 4-day week or sick leave.

How much vacation are you entitled to - and what does it depend on?

Your vacation entitlement depends primarily on your working hours and your employment contract. According to Section 3 of the German Federal Leave Act (BUrlG), every employee is entitled to at least 24 working days' leave per year - this applies to a 6-day week. If you only work 5 days a week, you are entitled to 20 vacation days.

The calculation depends on whether you work full-time, part-time, on a mini-job basis or in a 4-day week. And collective agreements or company agreements can lead to more vacation days.

Are you unsure whether your employer is treating you fairly? Then take a look at our article "What is the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG)?".

Calculating your vacation entitlement

The simple formula for the calculation is:
(working days per week ÷ 6) × 24 = statutory vacation entitlement

Examples:

• 5-day week (full-time): (5 ÷ 6) × 24 = 20 vacation days
• 4-day week: (4 ÷ 6) × 24 = 16 vacation days

If you work part-time, your entitlement is pro rata. Important: Even in a mini-job, you are entitled to paid leave - depending on how many days per week you work.

Your employer may also grant you additional vacation days as a voluntary benefit or bonus - for example, if you have been with the company for a long time or as part of the benefits package. This is often something you can negotiate during the job interview.

Legal requirements: your minimum vacation

As mentioned, the statutory minimum vacation according to § 3 BUrlG is 24 working days for a 6-day week - this corresponds to 20 working days for a 5-day week.

There are no differences depending on age or profession, but some collective agreements or company agreements have stipulated more vacation days. Some companies also offer additional leave, e.g. if you work a lot of overtime. This is also permitted as long as it is not less than the statutory minimum leave.

Are you wondering what happens if you want to take vacation during your probationary period? This is possible - but often only on a pro rata basis. According to the BUrlG, you are only fully entitled to vacation after 6 months of employment. Before that, you can be granted leave on a pro rata basis.

If you feel that you are not being granted your full vacation entitlement, you can speak to a lawyer. You can find out more about this in the article "Specialist lawyer for employment law: when you need one".

Special cases: 4-day week, illness and others

The 4-day week is becoming increasingly popular - but what about vacation? The answer: you get fewer vacation days, but also fewer working days. As I said, with a 4-day week you are entitled to 16 vacation days per year (calculated on the basis of the statutory minimum regulation).

And what happens if you fall ill while on vacation? Then the day does not count as a vacation day - but only if you get a doctor's note. These days will be credited back to you. Important: The medical certificate must be submitted immediately, not after the vacation.

What many people don't know: Vacation does not expire immediately. According to the law, it must be taken by December 31, but can often be carried over until March 31 of the following year (Section 7 (3) BUrlG). After that, it expires - unless you were ill or could not take the leave for other reasons.

You are entitled to your remaining vacation even if you are dismissed. You can find out more here: "Holiday entitlement on termination".

Find jobs with more vacation days - with WorkerHero

Many employers now use extra vacation days as a bonus to attract skilled workers. In many job advertisements you will find phrases such as "30 days vacation", "vacation even during the probationary period" or "special leave for relocation". This is not required by law, but it is an important argument when looking for a job.

At WorkerHero, we make sure that the job advertisements contain clear information about vacation, working hours and additional benefits. This helps you to find the right job - especially if you are new to Germany or coming from abroad and are just settling in.

Discover now on WorkerHero how you can get more vacation with the right job!