How do I call in sick, and when do I need a sick note (Krankmeldung)?

First day: On the day you fall ill, tell your employer (by phone, email or whatever channel your company uses), ideally before work starts, that you are sick and how long it is likely to last. You do not have to say what illness you have.

Doctor's note: If the illness lasts more than 3 calendar days, you need a doctor's certificate of incapacity for work (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung) by day 4 at the latest. Your contract may require it from the first day; check. For minor illnesses you can also get a note by phone or video consultation.

Digital sick note (eAU): If you have statutory health insurance, the doctor sends the note digitally to your Krankenkasse, and your employer retrieves it from there. You still have to tell your employer yourself that you are sick. If you are privately insured, you need to give your employer the paper note.

Money: Your employer pays your full salary for up to 6 weeks (once you have worked there for 4 weeks). If the same illness lasts longer than 6 weeks, your health insurance pays sick pay (Krankengeld): about 70 percent of your gross salary, at most 90 percent of your net salary.

If you fall ill on holiday: Days when you are sick during your annual leave and have a doctor's note are not deducted from your holiday. Tell your employer straight away and get a note.