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Developing Update · Europe — Politics: live coverage

German employees may reclaim holiday days lost to illness

Workers in Germany can recoup annual leave lost to sickness, provided they adhere to mandatory reporting procedures from the first day of illness.

By 24 Jul 2026 · 14:30 CET Updated 24 Jul 2026 · 14:30 CET

AI disclosure: Summarised from a single named source by an AI model with editorial rules; links to the original report.

According to The Local, employees in Germany who fall ill while on holiday are not necessarily required to forfeit their annual leave entitlement. To successfully reclaim these days, staff must strictly follow specific reporting regulations. It is essential for workers to notify their employer of their illness starting from the very first day it occurs to ensure the vacation time is credited back to them. Failing to follow these formal procedures may result in the loss of those days, as the rules are designed to ensure clear documentation and compliance within the German employment system.

Source: The Local. Read the original report ↗

Source ledger

  • This brief is based on reporting by The Local.
    supports: The Local Europe