Can I take time off work when my child is sick? (Kinderkrankentage)

Who it is for: If your child is under 12 (no age limit for children with disabilities), is sick and needs care at home, and nobody else in the household can look after them, you can stay home from work. Both you and your child must have statutory health insurance, and you must be entitled to sick pay.

How many days (2026): Each parent can take 15 working days per child per year, up to 35 days in total with several children. Single parents get 30 days per child, up to 70 days in total. These increased numbers apply until the end of 2026; ask your health insurance about the rules after that. If one parent has used up their days, days can be transferred to them if the other parent's employer agrees.

How: Inform your employer on the first day. Take your child to the paediatrician (Kinderarzt) and get a certificate that your child is sick; the doctor usually sends it digitally to your health insurance. Then apply to your health insurance for child sick pay (Kinderkrankengeld).

Money: Your employer does not have to pay your salary on these days. Your health insurance usually pays 90 percent of your net salary, up to a daily maximum of 135.63 euros gross in 2026.

In hospital: If your child is in hospital and the doctor considers it necessary for you to stay with them, you receive Kinderkrankengeld for that time without a day limit.