Krankschreibung

Krankschreibung (also called Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung or AU) is a doctor's certificate confirming you are unable to work due to illness.

Since January 2023, Germany uses the electronic sick note (eAU) system. Your doctor submits the certificate electronically to your health insurance, who forwards it to your employer.

By law, you need a Krankschreibung after 3 consecutive calendar days of illness (from the 4th day onward). However, many employers require it from day 1 — check your employment contract.

The sick note does not contain your diagnosis. Your employer has no right to know what illness you have.