Annual Leave Rules in Germany

In Germany, most employees are entitled to a minimum of 24 days of paid annual leave, which is calculated based on a six-day workweek. This entitlement is established under the Federal Vacation Act (Bundesurlaubsgesetz), which ensures that employees have the right to take time off for rest and relaxation. Additionally, many employers offer more generous leave policies as part of their employment contracts or collective agreements, often providing up to 30 days of paid leave. It's important to note that employees must take their leave within a specific timeframe, typically within the calendar year, unless otherwise agreed upon.

Employees in Germany also have the right to carry over unused vacation days to the following year, but this is subject to certain conditions. According to the Federal Vacation Act, any unused vacation days must generally be taken within 15 months after the end of the calendar year in which they were accrued, unless the employee was unable to take leave due to specific reasons, such as illness. Employers are required to inform employees about their remaining vacation days, ensuring that employees can exercise their right to take leave. For more detailed information, you can refer to the official website of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs: BMAS.