Paid annual leave and public holidays in Germany (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Federal law sets a minimum of 24 working days (Werktage) of paid leave a year. Werktage are all days that are not Sundays or public holidays, so public holidays are not counted as leave days.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum paid leave a year (weeks)Full-time employee | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minimum paid leave as the law states itFull-time employee | At least 24 working days (Werktage) a year. Werktage are all calendar days that are not Sundays or public holidays. [1] |
| National public holidays a yearFull-time employee | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Public holidays and annual leaveFull-time employee | Not counted as leave days [1] |
Notes
- The law states the minimum in working days (Werktage), not in weeks. The weekly equivalent depends on the working pattern and was not stated in the source.
- The Unification Treaty makes 3 October a statutory public holiday. No national total was found in the official sources read.
- This follows from how section 3 counts leave: only days that are not Sundays or public holidays count towards the 24 working days.
Sources
- Bundesministerium der Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): § 3 Dauer des Urlaubs (Bundesurlaubsgesetz) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.