- The legal minimum is 24 working days on a six day week, which is 20 days on a five day week.
- Most office jobs offer 25 to 30 days.
- You get the full yearly leave after six months in the job.
- Unused leave usually has to be taken by 31 March of the next year.
German holidays surprise most Indians in a good way. Taking two or three weeks off in one go is normal, and nobody expects you to check email.
The legal minimum
The minimum comes from §3 Federal Leave Act. Your contract can give more, and many collective agreements do.
When leave expires
Leave should be taken in the calendar year. Unused days can usually be carried over until 31 March of the next year if there are operational or personal reasons (§7). Employers must remind you about leave that will expire.
Public holidays
Germany has around nine to thirteen public holidays a year, depending on the state. Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg have the most. Public holidays are on top of your annual leave.
Tips for newcomers
- Ask in the offer how many days you get; it is a common point to negotiate.
- Plan trips to India early; long leave needs approval, and teams coordinate summer holidays.
- When you leave a job, unused leave is either taken or paid out.
Common questions
Can I take leave during probation?
Yes, you build up leave from the start, but many employers prefer that you take longer holidays after probation.
Are Diwali or Eid public holidays?
No, but you can take annual leave for them.
Is leave paid?
Yes, at your normal salary.
I moved to Germany for my master's, collected more than 1,000 rejections, and then got multiple job offers within six months. I work in digital marketing in Germany and help international professionals get hired in Europe. Read my story.