Sick during training: Sick note, certificate and continued pay

In short: Whoever is ill reports to the company immediately and presents a medical certificate at the latest on the fourth day; pay continues for up to six weeks.

In more detail: Illness is part of life. For trainees the same rules of the Continued Remuneration Act apply as for all employees, plus particulars for vocational school and exams. This is general information and not legal advice; figures and rules change and depend on industry, collective agreement and individual case. For questions the chamber’s training advisers, works council, youth representation, union or advice centres help.

In Depth

Duty to notify and prove

1. Report without delay: as soon as you notice you cannot come, before work starts (phone, email or as usual in the company) inform trainer/superiors and, for vocational school, also the school; with expected duration.
2. Medical certificate (certificate of incapacity for work): mandatory if the illness lasts longer than three calendar days, thus at the latest on the fourth day. The company may demand it earlier (per contract or instruction).
3. Since 2023 the doctor’s practice transmits the eAU electronically to the health insurer; the company retrieves it there. You must still report sick yourself and generally see the doctor promptly; for privately insured or abroad particulars apply.
4. On extension: new certificate.

Pay and deadlines

In illness the company continues paying pay for up to six weeks (continued remuneration), afterwards the sickness benefit of the health insurer. The same illness does not always trigger six weeks again (rules on recurring illness: new payment after six months or twelve months). During the first four weeks of the training relationship there is no claim to continued remuneration under the EFZG; sickness benefit applies instead; the contract may provide more.

Vocational school and exams

With illness on a vocational school day please inform school and company and present the certificate at both places (depending on school rules). Missed tests usually need a certificate so that they may be rewritten. For final exams: inform the IHK/competent body immediately, present the certificate; a make-up date is possible. Absences can affect the training record and admission if very high.

Tips and duties

• Recovered often means return after the end of the certificate; if unsure talk to the doctor.
• Doctor’s visits preferably outside working hours; if not possible, inform the company.
• Health insurer: for long illness apply for sickness benefit; advice on rehab and reintegration.
• For mental strain (exam anxiety, bullying, overload) seek help early (family doctor, training advice, school psychology, helplines).
• Dismissal due to illness is strongly restricted in training after the probation period. Document notifications (email) and keep certificates.

See also: Training pay, Statutory health insurance, Probation and dismissal, Exam anxiety