Germany to require medical certificate from first sick day

The German coalition government plans to amend the sick‑leave law so that employees must present a medical certificate from the first day of illness, rather than the current rule that allows a note from the fourth day unless a contract stipulates otherwise. The proposal aims to lower the nation’s high sickness‑absence rate, but critics warn it could generate around 30 million additional doctor visits and strain practices.

Major employers such as engine maker Everllence, aircraft supplier Airbus, carmaker Audi, robot firm Kuka and Sparkasse Schwaben‑Bodensee say they are comfortable with the existing fourth‑day rule and see no immediate need for change. The German Handwerkskammer supports the stricter approach. Columnist Jan Fleischhauer argues the measure is impractical, suggesting that waiting‑day (Karenz) rules would be more effective and that the plan mirrors earlier, unimplemented reforms.

If enacted, the change would affect all sectors, potentially increasing administrative burdens for workers, employers and the health‑care system across Germany.