Sick leave: how to call in sick properly

Sick? Call the boss before your shift starts (not by SMS!). Up to 3 days (or what the contract says) you just say "ich bin krank" — no doctor needed. Longer requires the Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung (AU): the doctor gives a note with an "until" date. The employer pays 100% for the first 6 weeks, then the Krankenkasse ~70%. Calling in is no drama: illness is no reason for dismissal.

• ●The AU is valid from the doctor’s date — retroactive is not possible (except holidays/weekends)
• ●Sick on holiday? The AU "saves" vacation days — they count as sick
• ●Often sick >6 weeks? The boss can request a BEM (rehab plan)