Krankschreibung, literally translated as “sick writing,” is a term used in Germany to refer to a medical certificate or doctor’s note that confirms an individual’s inability to work due to illness.
What is “Krankschreibung”?
In Germany, when an individual falls ill and is unable to attend work, they are required to obtain a Krankschreibung from a doctor. This document serves as official proof of illness and is necessary for the employee to be entitled to sick leave benefits from their employer and, if applicable, from their health insurance. The Krankschreibung is crucial for both notifying the employer of the absence due to health reasons and for claiming KrankengeldKrankengeld is a financial support provided by statutory health insurance in Germany to those who are unable to work due... More (sick pay) if the absence extends beyond six weeks[1][2][7].
More information about “Krankschreibung”
The process of obtaining a Krankschreibung typically involves visiting a doctor who assesses the patient’s condition. If deemed necessary, the doctor issues the Krankschreibung, indicating the duration the employee is expected to be unfit for work. Since January 1, 2023, the process has been digitalized for those insured under the statutory health insurance, with the certificate being sent directly from the doctor to the health insurance company, which then informs the employer[5][6]. This digitalization aims to streamline the process and reduce paperwork.
Related to “Krankschreibung”
Here are some additional terms that are related to Krankschreibung:
- Krankmeldung: The notification an employee must give to their employer when they are sick and unable to work. This must be done before the start of the workday[2].
- KrankengeldKrankengeld is a financial support provided by statutory health insurance in Germany to those who are unable to work due... More: The sick pay provided by health insurance after an employee has been sick for more than six weeks. It compensates for the loss of income during extended periods of illness[1][7].
- Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung: Another term for Krankschreibung, often abbreviated as AU. It is the formal document issued by a doctor to certify that an employee is unfit for work due to illness[3].
In conclusion, the Krankschreibung is an essential part of the German healthcare and social security system, ensuring that employees can take the necessary time off work to recover from illness without facing financial hardship.