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Krankschreibung Ausbildung: How to Handle Sick Leave in Germany as a Trainee

2025-01-08

Learn how to call in sick during your Ausbildung in Germany, when you need a doctor's note, and what happens to your pay and vacation days.

Getting sick is stressful enough on its own — but when you're in the middle of your Ausbildung in Germany and you don't know the rules, it can feel like a crisis. Understanding how Krankschreibung (sick leave certification) works during your Ausbildung is not just useful, it's essential for protecting your rights as a trainee. This guide walks you through exactly what to do on day one of illness, when you need a doctor's note, and what happens to your money and vacation days while you're off.

What "Krankschreibung" Actually Means in the Context of Ausbildung

The word Krankschreibung literally means "sick-writing" — it refers to the official process of a doctor certifying that you are unable to work due to illness. In German law, this document is called an Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung (AU), sometimes just called a "gelbe Schein" (yellow slip), though in 2023 Germany transitioned to a fully digital system for most employees and trainees.

As an Auszubildender (trainee), you are covered under the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG) — Germany's Vocational Training Act — which gives you the same sick leave protections as regular employees. That's a big deal. You cannot be fired simply because you got sick, and you are entitled to continued pay during your illness under specific conditions.

Ausbildung vs. Regular Employment: Any Difference?

The rules are nearly identical. The main thing to remember is that your training company is your employer, so all notification and documentation requirements go to them (and your Berufsschule if you're also missing school days). Berufsschule attendance is a separate obligation — even if your company excuses you, your school absence is tracked independently.

What to Do on the First Day You're Sick

This is where many trainees make mistakes because they panic or don't know the procedure. Here's what you need to do, step by step:

• Notify your training company as early as possible on the first day — ideally before your shift starts, or at the latest by the time you would normally arrive. Call your Ausbilder (trainer) or supervisor directly. A WhatsApp message is usually not sufficient unless your company has explicitly said it's acceptable.
• Notify your Berufsschule if you would have had school that day. Schools typically require a separate phone call or online notification through their portal.
• State that you are sick, not why. You are not legally required to tell your employer your diagnosis.
• Get a doctor's appointment if your illness extends (more on the exact timeline below).

A simple phone call script: "Guten Morgen, ich bin [your name], ich bin heute krank und kann nicht zur Arbeit kommen." That's all you need to say.

When Do You Actually Need a Doctor's Note?

This is one of the most confusing points for international trainees coming from Morocco, where workplace sick leave rules work differently.

The Standard Rule: From Day 4

Under the default rule in German law (§ 5 EFZG — Entgeltfortzahlungsgesetz), you must submit a medical certificate if your illness lasts more than three calendar days. So if you're sick on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, you can stay home without a note. But if you're also sick on Thursday, you must see a doctor and present the AU by that Thursday (the fourth day).

When Your Employer Can Demand It Earlier

Your training contract or company policy may require a doctor's note from day one. This is completely legal. Check your Ausbildungsvertrag — it's usually stated explicitly. Many larger companies like Deutsche Bahn, Siemens, or big retail chains require immediate documentation. If your contract says "ab dem ersten Krankheitstag," you need to visit a doctor on day one.

School Rules Add Another Layer

Your Berufsschule may require a note from day one regardless of what your company says. Ask your class teacher (Klassenlehrer) at the start of your Ausbildung so you're not caught off guard.

The Electronic AU (eAU): Germany's Digital Sick Note System

Since January 2023, Germany has officially switched to the elektronische Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung (eAU) for all statutory health insurance members (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, or GKV). This affects most trainees.

Here's how it works now:

• You go to the doctor and they certify your illness digitally in their system.
• The doctor's practice transmits the certificate directly to your employer's health insurance interface — you no longer have to physically deliver the yellow paper slip to your employer.
• You still receive a paper printout for yourself (the "Ausdruck für den Versicherten"), which you should keep.
• You still need to inform your employer by phone/email that you are sick — the eAU does not replace that notification.

Important caveat: If you have private health insurance (PKV) — which is less common for trainees but possible — the old paper system still applies. You must deliver the AU yourself.

If you're registered with a GKV like AOK, TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), BARMER, or DAK, you are part of the eAU system. You can check your AU status online through your insurer's app (e.g., the TK-App or My AOK).

Your Pay During Sick Leave: What You're Entitled To

Here's the good news: as an Auszubildender in Germany, you are entitled to continued pay (Entgeltfortzahlung) during illness, up to six weeks per illness episode, from your very first day of training — provided you've been in your Ausbildung for at least four weeks.

• Your training allowance (Ausbildungsvergütung) continues 100% for up to six weeks.
• Example: If you earn €900/month gross in your first year, you receive the same €900 while sick for up to six weeks.
• After six weeks of continuous illness, your health insurance steps in with Krankengeld — sickness benefit, which is approximately 70% of your gross income, paid directly by your Krankenkasse.
• Krankengeld is only available if you've paid into GKV for at least 12 months and are over 18, so check with your insurer early.

Your vacation days are NOT deducted during a certified sick leave period. If you fall ill during your annual leave and have a valid AU, those days are converted back to vacation days — you don't lose them. This is guaranteed under § 9 BUrlG (Bundesurlaubsgesetz).

What Happens If You Don't Follow the Rules?

Failing to notify your employer correctly or missing the AU deadline can have real consequences:

• No notification = no pay: Your employer is not obligated to pay you for days where you didn't properly call in sick.
• Repeated unexcused absences can be grounds for a warning (Abmahnung) and ultimately termination of your Ausbildung contract.
• Berufsschule absences without excuse can be reported to the company and the Berufsschule authorities, creating official problems for your training record.
• If you're caught lying about being sick — for example, posting party photos on social media while claiming to be ill — your employer has grounds for fristlose Kündigung (immediate termination without notice).

Common Pitfalls: What Trainees from Morocco Often Get Wrong

Moving from Morocco to Germany means adapting to a much more formal, documentation-heavy culture around workplace absence. Here are the mistakes we see most often:

• Sending a text message instead of calling: In Germany, a phone call is the expected method for notifying sick leave. Text-only communication is often not accepted.
• Assuming the doctor automatically handles everything: With the eAU system, your doctor does transmit the note digitally, but you still have to notify your employer personally.
• Not notifying the Berufsschule separately: Many trainees assume their company handles this — they don't. You are responsible for contacting both institutions.
• Missing the four-day deadline: Thinking you have four working days instead of four calendar days. Weekends count. If you got sick on a Friday and are still ill on Monday, you need a note by Monday.
• Not knowing your Ausbildungsvertrag rules: Some companies require notes from day one. Not reading your contract is the most avoidable mistake.
• Forgetting about Berufsschule makeup work: Being sick doesn't exempt you from Berufsschule exams or submitted coursework in most cases. Contact your teacher early.

Conclusion

Navigating Krankschreibung during your Ausbildung in Germany doesn't have to be overwhelming once you know the steps. Call in on day one, check your contract for doctor's note requirements, understand how the eAU system works with your Krankenkasse, and know that your pay is protected for up to six weeks. These aren't just bureaucratic hurdles — they're protections that work in your favor.

If you're still in the process of preparing your Ausbildung application or want guidance on understanding German workplace documents, book a consultation with our German immigration specialist (€16) to plan your move. The earlier you understand your rights, the more confidently you can focus on your training.