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Of course! The annual leave entitlement (Urlaubsanspruch) is a fixed legal right for all trainees (Azubis) in Germany. It is defined by the trainee protection law (§ 19 Berufsbildungsgesetz - BBiG) in addition to the Federal Leave Act (Bundesurlaubsgesetz - BUrlG).
Number of legal leave days for trainees (Azubis)
The number of legal leave days is determined according to the trainee’s age at the beginning of the calendar year:
| Age | Number of legal leave days (based on 6 working days per week) |
|---|---|
| Under 16 years | 30 days |
| 16 years | 27 days |
| 17 years | 25 days |
| 18 years or older | 24 days (according to Bundesurlaubsgesetz) |
But! If your contract states 5 working days per week (which is common), leave is calculated proportionally as follows:
Example:
24 days ÷ 6 × 5 = at least 20 working days per year
Some companies voluntarily grant additional days (e.g., 25 or even 30 days).
Most important leave rights for trainees
| Right | Explanation |
|---|---|
| ️Taking leave only on practical training days | Vocational school days (Berufsschule) are not counted as leave days |
| You may not be called to work during leave | Even in emergencies |
| The training provider must approve the leave date | But the trainee’s wishes are taken into account, especially during exam periods |
| Leave is fully paid | No wage deduction is allowed |
| Leave is not counted if you are ill during it | Provided you prove it with a medical certificate |
Important notes
Leave cannot be “carried over” for more than one year, and it should usually be used within the same training year.
If the Ausbildung ends, compensation must be paid for unused leave days (Urlaubsabgeltung).
Some collective agreements (Tarifverträge) provide longer leave periods.
Quick summary
| Situation | Legal leave (5 working days per week) |
|---|---|
| Under 16 | 25 days |
| 16 | 22.5 days |
| 17 | 20.8 days |
| 18 or older | 20 days |
– The team of writers and editors on the website is keen to provide accurate information through intensive research and reviewing multiple sources when writing articles. However, some errors may appear or some information may be unconfirmed. Therefore, please consider the information in the articles as an initial reference and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.*
