If you are unable to work due to illness, you are required to submit a doctor’s note in addition to immediately informing your employer of your absence. A certification of illness is usually required from the first (not the third!) day of sick leave.

Your sick leave can only be determined and confirmed after an appropriate examination by a physician. This means that you cannot get a certification of illness by calling or writing an email or fax!

If you are bedridden and cannot come see a doctor, this must be discussed with a physician on the phone and if necessary a home visit will be scheduled.

It is important to note that a sick leave can be issued only one day retroactively. Any further backdating must be approved by a physician of the health insurance! The only exception is sick leave after a hospitalization.