Starting January 1, 2027, you’ll get fewer paid days off when your child is sick. Germany’s paid child sick days (Kinderkrankentage) drop from 15 to 10 per child.
The table below shows how the Kinderkrankentage limits change. All limits reset every calendar year, per child.
| Through 2026 | From 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Per parent, per child | 15 days | 10 days |
| Single parent, per child | 30 days | 20 days |
| Max per parent (multiple children) | 35 days | 25 days |
| Max for single parents | 70 days | 50 days |
Germany raised Kinderkrankentage from 10 to 15 days as a special COVID-era rule (Sonderregelung). The 15-day limit is only written into law through the end of 2026. So the cut to 10 days doesn’t need a new bill in the Bundestag.
Federal Health Minister Carsten Linnemann (CDU) confirmed the 15-day limit will end. “That is a rule we introduced during Corona,” he said. He thinks Germany should “take back special rules that existed for Corona.”
Kinderkrankengeld Pays 90% of Your Lost Net Wages
While you’re home with a sick child, your statutory health insurer (Krankenkasse) pays you Kinderkrankengeld. Kinderkrankengeld makes up for the wages you lose by staying home.
Kinderkrankengeld covers 90% of your lost net wages. The payment tops out at €135.63 a day in 2026.
Your real take-home pay ends up a little under 90%, though. This is because pension, unemployment, and care insurance contributions come out of Kinderkrankengeld.
Kinderkrankengeld eligibility rules stay the same in 2027. The rules come down to your child’s age and who looks after them:
- Your child has to be under 12.
- If your child has a disability and needs care, there’s no age limit.
- You have to provide the care yourself.
- No one else in your household can step in for you.
Three Ways Parents Can Prepare for Fewer Kinderkrankentage in 2027
You can get ready for the 10-day Kinderkrankentage limit before it starts on January 1, 2027:
- Check how many Kinderkrankentage you used last year. See whether 10 days would have been enough.
- Ask your employer about extra paid leave now. Some employers offer more than the legal minimum.
- Build a savings buffer for 2027. Unpaid leave may be needed once your Kinderkrankentage run out.
