How to krank melden

Overview

In Germany, the process of 'krankmelden' (reporting sick) is a straightforward but important administrative step for employees who are unable to work due to illness. It's a legal obligation that ensures both the employee and employer are aware of the situation, allowing for necessary arrangements to be made. Understanding the correct procedure is crucial to avoid any misunderstandings or potential disciplinary actions.

When to Report Sick

The fundamental rule is to inform your employer as soon as you know you cannot come to work due to illness. This should ideally happen before your usual start time on the first day of your absence. The exact method of notification (phone call, email, text message) can depend on your employer's internal policies, but a verbal notification is generally sufficient as an initial step. It's important to clearly state that you are unwell and unable to work.

The Doctor's Note (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung - AU)

While you must report your absence immediately, a formal doctor's note, known as an 'Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung' (AU), is usually required for longer periods of illness. The legal default in Germany is that an employee must present a doctor's note if they are sick for more than three consecutive calendar days. However, employers can, and often do, request an AU from the very first day of absence, especially if stipulated in the employment contract, a company works agreement (Betriebsvereinbarung), or a collective bargaining agreement (Tarifvertrag).

If a doctor's note is required, you must obtain it from a medical professional and submit it to your employer. Modern practice in Germany involves a digital transfer of the AU. Your doctor electronically transmits the certificate to the statutory health insurance fund (Krankenkasse), and the employer retrieves this data from the health insurance fund. However, you still have a duty to inform your employer about your absence and its expected duration, and you might need to show a paper copy of the doctor's note if the digital process fails or if your employer specifically requests it.

What Information to Provide

When reporting sick, you should provide the following essential information:

• That you are unable to come to work due to illness.
• The expected duration of your absence, if known.
• Confirmation that you have seen or will see a doctor, especially if a doctor's note is required.

You are generally not obligated to disclose the specific nature of your illness to your employer. Your health information is considered private.

Consequences of Not Reporting Sick

Failing to report your absence correctly can have serious consequences. Employers rely on timely notification to manage staffing and workload. If you fail to 'krankmelden' properly, your employer may consider it a breach of contract. This could lead to:

• Warnings (Abmahnung).
• Deduction of wages for the days of absence.
• In severe or repeated cases, disciplinary dismissal (verhaltensbedingte Kündigung).

It is therefore vital to adhere to the reporting requirements.

Reporting Sick While Abroad

If you fall ill while on holiday or business trip abroad, you must still report your illness to your employer immediately. You will also need to obtain a doctor's certificate from a local doctor and submit it to your employer, typically with a translation if the original is not in German or English. You may also need to inform your health insurance provider in Germany.

Employer's Obligations

While employees have the obligation to report sick, employers also have responsibilities. They must continue to pay your wages for a certain period if you are sick (Entgeltfortzahlung im Krankheitsfall), typically for up to six weeks per illness, provided you have been employed for at least four weeks. After this period, you may be eligible for sickness benefit (Krankengeld) from your health insurance fund.

Summary of Best Practices

• Notify immediately: Call or email your employer before your shift starts.
• State the reason: Simply state you are ill and unable to work.
• Estimate duration: Provide an estimated return date if possible.
• Get a doctor's note: Obtain an AU if you are sick for more than 3 days, or if your employer requires it sooner.
• Follow up: Ensure the AU is processed correctly, whether digitally or via paper.
• Keep records: Save copies of any communication or doctor's notes.

By following these steps, employees can ensure they meet their obligations and maintain a good relationship with their employer even during periods of illness.