Bildungsurlaub is an initiative offered by the German government, which includes additional paid vacation leave for the purpose of education, such as seminars, training events and courses.

Full time employees who are eligible for Bildungsurlaub are entitled to 5 additional paid educational leave per year. Candidates can choose to combine two years’ worth of allowance to receive a total of 10 days. However, if one does not take this leave, they will lose it as it cannot be accumulated. If during the Bildungsurlaub leave days one is unwell, the days lost are counted as sick days and the missed days are compensated for.

How do you know if you are entitled to Bildungsurlaub?

• One must have been working for a company for a minimum of 6 months.
• Apply for the Bildungsurlaub leave at least 6 weeks before it is taken.
• Use a minimum of 1 day of educational leave.
• Apply for a recognised course such as the courses offered by Berlitz | English Language Academy.

If your German state offers Bildungsurlaub, you are entitled to take it. However, some employers have the right to refuse it in special circumstances:

• If there are fewer than 20 people working for the company
• If your educational leave will be detrimental to the company’s operations
• More than 10% of the company’s employees have already applied for Bildungsurlaub in the same year.

To apply for Bildungsurlaub, you must ask your employer for your leave in writing. You should receive a decision within two weeks. If your leave is denied, you have every right to ask for an explanation.