Public Holidays in Germany: A Guide for Foreign Workers
Welcome to Germany! Understanding public holidays is essential for anyone working in Germany, as these are paid days off that can affect your work schedule and daily life. This guide will help you understand the German holiday system and how it works.
National Public Holidays
Germany has both national holidays (celebrated throughout the country) and state holidays (specific to certain regions). Here are the main national holidays that are observed everywhere in Germany:
- January 1: New Year’s Day (Neujahr)
- Good Friday (Karfreitag) – Date varies
- Easter Monday (Ostermontag) – Date varies
- May 1: Labor Day (Tag der Arbeit)
- Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt) – 40 days after Easter
- Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag) – 50 days after Easter
- October 3: German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit)
- December 25-26: First and Second Christmas Day (Erster und Zweiter Weihnachtstag)
Important Things to Know
- Pay and Work Rules
- You receive your regular salary during public holidays
- If you must work on a holiday, you are entitled to extra compensation
- Shops and most businesses are closed on public holidays.
- Regional Differences
- Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg have the most public holidays (up to 13 per year)
- Berlin has 10 public holidays
- The northern states typically have 9-10 public holidays
- Some holidays are only celebrated in specific regions or states
For information of holidays in a specific region in Germany – Click here
- Holiday Planning Tips
- Always check your specific state’s holiday calendar
- Plan ahead as stores will be closed (including grocery stores)
- Public transport runs on holiday schedules
- Banks and government offices are closed
Religious Holidays
While Germany is a secular country, many public holidays have Christian origins. However, you don’t need to be religious to enjoy these days off.
Important religious holidays include:
- Three Kings Day (January 6) – only in some states
- Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam) – only in some states
- All Saints’ Day (November 1) – only in some states
Important Notes for Foreign Workers
- Planning
- Mark these dates in your calendar at the start of the year
- Remember that most shops will be closed
- Stock up on groceries the day before
- Check if your workplace has special holiday schedules
- Rights and Regulations
- Holiday pay is mandatory
- You cannot be forced to work on public holidays unless specified in your contract
- If you work on a holiday, you’re entitled to additional compensation or time off
- Regional Awareness
- If you live near a different state, be aware that shops there might follow different holiday schedules
- Some holidays affect public transport schedules
- Tourist areas might have special opening hours during holidays.
Practical Tips
- Shopping
- Always check store opening hours before holidays
- Keep some emergency supplies at home
- Gas stations and shops in train stations might remain open
- Many restaurants stay open on holidays.
- Travel
- Book travel well in advance during holiday periods
- Expect higher prices and more crowds during holiday weekends
- Public transport usually runs on reduced schedules.
Remember that this holiday system is designed to provide workers with rest and recreation time. As a foreign worker, you have the same rights to these holidays as German employees, so make sure to enjoy them!
