Germany Annual Leave & Vacation Guide
Understand your annual leave entitlements in Germany under the Bundesurlaubsgesetz. Learn about minimum leave, carryover rules, and what German employers typically offer.
Annual Leave in Germany
German law (Bundesurlaubsgesetz) guarantees a minimum of 20 days paid annual leave for employees working 5 days per week. Many employers offer 25-30 days as standard.
How Leave Works
Leave is calculated proportionally for part-time workers. You accrue leave from your first day but typically need to complete a 6-month waiting period before taking full entitlement.
Carryover Rules
Unused leave must be taken by March 31 of the following year, unless prevented by operational or personal reasons. Leave forfeited cannot typically be paid out.
Public Holidays
Germany has 9-13 public holidays depending on the state (Bundesland). These are in addition to annual leave entitlement.