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Educational leave: paid time off for further training

Further your education without sacrificing vacation for it? Educational leave (also educational release) makes this possible: in most federal states you are entitled to paid time off for recognized further training.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

Apply for educational leave

Your chances of getting your money back

In most federal states there is a statutory right to educational leave, often five working days per year (or ten days over two years) with full continued pay, for recognized educational events.
The rules are a matter for the states and differ; not every federal state has an educational leave law. The event must be recognized, and application and notice deadlines apply.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the state rule

    Is there an educational leave law in your federal state, and what requirements apply?

  2. 2

    2. Choose a recognized event

    Make sure the seminar is recognized as educational leave.

  3. 3

    3. Apply in good time

    Submit the application within the deadline (often several weeks in advance) in writing to the employer.

  4. 4

    4. If refused

    If the employer refuses without a valid reason, you can refer to your statutory right; advice via a union.

Frequently asked questions

Am I entitled to educational leave?

In most federal states, yes, usually five paid working days per year for recognized further training. But the rules are a matter for the states and differ; some federal states have no educational leave law. So check your federal state's rule and whether the event is recognized.

Can the employer refuse educational leave?

Only for certain reasons, for example if compelling operational concerns stand in the way, the event is not recognized, or deadlines were not observed. They cannot simply refuse an existing statutory right without grounds. Apply in good time and in writing; in a dispute, a union helps.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.