Germany to introduce partial sick leave starting in 2028

Under the GKV-Beitragsstabilisierungsgesetz passed by the Bundestag, Germany will introduce partial sick leave starting in 2028. This allows doctors to certify employees as being partially incapacitated by increments of 25 percent, such as 75, 50, or 25 percent.

This measure applies only if a doctor certifies that the incapacity to work will last longer than four weeks. The percentage represents the reduction in working capacity; for example, a 75 percent sick leave means the employee can still perform one quarter of their normal working hours.

Financially, employees will continue to receive their full wage from the employer during the first six weeks of illness, regardless of the percentage of incapacity. After six weeks, health insurance sickness benefits typically cover approximately 70 percent of gross salary or 90 percent of net wages.