What responsibilities do I have in case of illness during vocational training?

In the event of illness, apprentices must notify their employer immediately. If the illness lasts longer than three calendar days, a medical certificate of incapacity to work must be submitted. However, the employer may also require a doctor's note from the first day of illness.

What happens if I miss vocational school lessons due to illness?

Missed class material should be caught up independently. Vocational schools assist apprentices in reviewing the material. In cases of long-term illnesses, it may be necessary to postpone examinations or repeat the school year.

Can the training period be extended due to illness?

Yes, if a prolonged illness threatens the achievement of the training goal, the training period can be extended. The application for extension can be made by apprentices or trainers at the competent chamber.

Can I be terminated due to illness during vocational training?

Termination due to illness is only possible in exceptional cases. Extraordinary termination can only occur if a return to work capacity is not expected in the foreseeable future. Generally, it is difficult to enforce termination for this reason.

Ausbildung ▶ During ▶ Working Conditions

Illness

Illness During Vocational Training (Ausbildung) in Germany 2025

Q: Am I entitled to continued payment of wages in case of illness?

Yes, apprentices are entitled to continued payment of wages for up to six weeks if the vocational training relationship has lasted longer than four weeks. After that, health insurance pays sick pay, which amounts to 70% of the gross income.

Q: What is sick pay and how much is it?

After six weeks of continued payment of wages, apprentices receive sick pay from their statutory health insurance. Sick pay amounts to 70% of the gross income, but a maximum of 90% of the net earnings.

Illness during vocational training can affect the training process. Apprentices are entitled to continued pay in case of illness and should get a sick note for prolonged illnesses. Additionally, the regulations for catching up on missed classes and extending the training period are relevant.

Responsibilities in Case of Illness

In the event of illness, apprentices are required to inform their employer immediately about their inability to work. This should generally be done right on the first day of illness. If the illness lasts longer than three calendar days, a medical certificate (certificate of incapacity to work) must be presented. However, the employer may also require a doctor’s note starting from the first day of illness.

Continued Payment of Wages in Case of Illness

In case of illness, apprentices have a right to continued payment of wages for up to six weeks if the vocational training relationship has lasted longer than four weeks. This is regulated by the Continued Payment of Wages Act. After the six weeks have expired, they usually receive sick pay from their health insurance, which amounts to about 70% of their gross income.

Making Up Missed Vocational School Lessons

If apprentices miss classes at vocational school due to illness, they should independently catch up on the missed material. Generally, vocational schools are required to assist apprentices in reviewing the class material. Long-term illnesses may necessitate postponing examinations or repeating the school year.

Extension of Training Period

If a prolonged illness leads to the vocational training objective not being achievable, there is the possibility to extend the training period. This can be requested by both the apprentice and the trainer at the competent chamber (e.g., Chamber of Industry and Commerce or Chamber of Crafts). The chamber then decides whether and by how much to extend the training period.

Sick Pay and Insurance Coverage

After the six weeks of continued payment of wages by the employer, apprentices receive sick pay from their statutory health insurance. Sick pay amounts to 70% of the gross income, but a maximum of 90% of the net earnings. Throughout the training period, apprentices are generally insured through the statutory health insurance, which also applies in case of illness.

Protection Against Termination Due to Illness

Termination due to illness is only possible under very strict conditions during vocational training. Extraordinary termination due to long-term or frequent illnesses can only occur in exceptional cases when the restoration of work capacity is not expected in the foreseeable future. Generally, it is legally difficult to enforce termination due to illness.

in 🇩🇪 Germany