The German government is proposing to lower the threshold for mandatory sick notes (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung or AU), potentially requiring workers to provide medical certification from the first day of illness rather than the current standard of the fourth day. According to reports from dpa, Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Warken are driving these changes to reduce overall sick leave rates and curb the misuse of online medical certificates.
Proposed Changes to Sick Leave Certification
Under current regulations, employers typically request a doctor’s note starting on the fourth day of absence. The new proposal seeks to move this requirement forward. Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the primary goal of this shift is to lower the sick leave rate.
Medical professionals and healthcare associations have expressed concern over this move. According to dpa, critics argue that requiring notes from day one will flood already overburdened general practices with patients.
Crackdown on Online Sick Notes
Warken is targeting the rise of “digital-only” sick notes issued via online questionnaires without a direct physician consultation. Warken announced plans to introduce measures that prevent the issuance of certificates without a proper medical assessment. “Damit wird diesem Missbrauch endlich ein Riegel vorgeschoben,” Warken stated, according to dpa.
The move addresses the use of online questionnaires without doctor contact.
The Sugar Tax and Healthcare Funding
The government is also restructuring how it funds statutory health insurance to prevent contribution hikes in 2027. A key part of this “savings package” involves a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, such as sodas.
While the tax was originally intended to flow directly into the health insurance funds, the government shifted the revenue into the general federal budget. Warken defended this decision, explaining that the health insurance funds will receive more tax funds in return. According to Warken, the sugar tax is expected to generate approximately €650 million next year, which she claims will benefit the insured population.
Comparison of Sick Note Policies
| Feature | Current Standard | Proposed Change |
|---|---|---|
| Certification Requirement | Typically from the 4th day | Potentially from the 1st day |
| Online Certificates | Available via some platforms | Strictly limited/requires doctor contact |
| Primary Objective | Patient recovery/Employer record | Reduction of sick leave rates |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to go to the doctor on the first day I’m sick?
The government intends to make medical certification mandatory sooner.
Why is the government changing the sugar tax?
The government shifted the revenue into the general household, while promising that the health insurance funds will be compensated through more tax funds.
What is the goal of the online sick note ban?
The goal is to stop the misuse of sick notes issued via online questionnaires without doctor contact.