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Germany Public Holiday Regulations
Employees in Germany have a legal right to public holidays, but the specifics depend on the federal state (Bundesland) where they work. There are nine nationwide public holidays, while additional holidays are set regionally. These days are considered paid days off for employees, meaning if a public holiday falls on a working day, employees are entitled to the day off with full pay.
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List of Public Holidays in Germany in 2025
Below is a list of national and major regional public holidays in Germany for 2025. Some holidays apply only to specific states, such as Corpus Christi and Reformation Day.
Do Employers Have to Provide Paid Leave on Public Holidays?
Yes. German labor law requires employers to provide paid leave on public holidays that apply in the state where the employee works. Under the Working Hours Act (Arbeitszeitgesetz), employees are not expected to work on these days and are entitled to full pay as if they had worked.
For part-time employees, the same rule applies. If their regular workday coincides with a public holiday, they receive paid time off. If the holiday falls on a non-working day, there is no additional entitlement or compensation. Public holidays are separate from annual leave and do not count towards vacation days.
Legal Penalties for Not Providing Paid Holiday Leave
Failing to observe public holiday laws in Germany can result in legal and financial penalties. The Working Hours Act prohibits work on designated holidays, and violations can lead to fines of up to €15,000 per incident. Persistent or deliberate non-compliance may trigger criminal proceedings.
Non-compliance issues are common among part-time and shift-based workers, especially in hospitality or retail. Employees denied paid leave can file a claim with the local labor court (Arbeitsgericht), often resulting in back pay and compensation. Employers should align internal policies with state-specific holiday calendars and ensure payroll systems correctly apply paid leave entitlements.
How Do Holidays Affect Overtime Thresholds?
In Germany, public holidays are treated like regular paid working days for overtime calculation. If an employee works on a public holiday, those hours qualify for additional pay or time off in lieu, as required by the Working Hours Act and collective agreements. Many industries offer a 100% holiday premium, meaning double pay for work on a holiday.
Stay 100% Compliant with Leave Regulations Using Playroll
Managing leave and public holiday compliance in Germany is complex due to state-level variations. From Corpus Christi in Bavaria to Reformation Day in northern states, employers need to stay informed to avoid mistakes.
Playroll simplifies compliance by automatically tracking all local labor laws, including Germany’s state-specific holiday entitlements. The platform ensures every employee receives correct paid time off, whether they’re in Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg. With Playroll, you automate leave calculations, maintain compliance, and provide your team with confidence and clarity around their entitlements.
Never Miss a Leave Law Update — Stay 100% Compliant
01
Reach out to playroll
We’ll handle payroll, leave and benefits for your team, anywhere in the world.
02
Track Leave With Ease
Review, approve, and manage leave in line with local laws, all in one place.
03
Gain Hands-on Support
Each employer and employee gets support to promptly resolve queries.
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Stay Up to Date With Regulations
We’ll keep you updated on changes in leave entitlements and regulations.
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