# How Public Holidays Work in Germany

Public holidays in Germany are regulated by federal and state law. There are 9 nationwide holidays, with regional variations bringing the total to 9-14 days depending on the federal state.

## Germany Holidays

### 2025 Holiday Calendar

| Date | Name | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dec 31 | New Year's Day | National |
| Apr 2 | Good Friday | National |
| Apr 5 | Easter Monday | National |
| Apr 30 | Labor Day | National |
| May 13 | Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ | National |
| May 24 | Pentecost Monday | National |
| Oct 2 | German Unity Day | National |
| Dec 24 | First Day of Christmastide | National |
| Dec 25 | Second Day of Christmastide | National |

## How Public Holidays Work in Germany

### Important Points
1. 9 holidays recognized nationwide, including religious and civil events. Additional regional holidays vary by Bundesland.
2. Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and other states observe additional Catholic holidays. Berlin and other states have specific regional observances.
3. If a public holiday falls on a weekend, it is lost and no substitute day is granted unless specified by a collective agreement.

## At a Glance: Common Holidays

### German Unity Day
**OCT 3**  
The national day of Germany, commemorating the reunification of East and West Germany on October 3, 1990.

### Good Friday
**VARIES**  
A Christian holiday observed nationwide. The date varies each year as it depends on the lunar calendar.

### Christmas Day
**DEC 25**  
December 25th. A major Christian holiday celebrated nationwide with family gatherings.

## Impact on Payroll & Leave

Public holidays in Germany require careful payroll management, especially regarding regional variations and Sunday work regulations.

**Sunday and holiday work** typically requires 25-50% premium pay or compensatory time off.

**Strict daily rest periods** (11 hours) must be maintained.

Public holidays do not reduce annual leave entitlement.

Different federal states have different numbers of public holidays affecting payroll calculations.

### Are employees compensated if a public holiday falls on a weekend?
No. If a public holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday, there is no substitute day or additional compensation, unless specified by a collective agreement.

### What happens if an employee falls ill during annual leave?
If the employee provides a medical certificate (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung), the sick days do not count as vacation days and the leave entitlement is restored.

### Are public holidays paid time off?
Yes. Public holidays are paid non-working days for all employees. If required to work, employees receive premium pay or compensatory time off.