German row over plan for workers to need sick note on first day of illness
A doctors' group says it "borders on madness" that patients will have to obtain the note in person.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"The number of sick days in Germany is too high."
— Friedrich Merz , Politician
"We now need to put sensible arrangements in place for what has been proposed in the coalition committee."
— Lars Klingbeil , Politician
"That wasn't my proposal."
— Bärbel Bas , Politician
"We have one of the highest numbers of sick days – around 18 per year per employee."
— Jens Spahn , Politician
Key People
Labour Minister of Germany and member of the Social Democratic Party.
German Chancellor.
Leader of the CDU's parliamentary group and a prominent member of the Christian Democratic Party.
Vice-Chancellor of Germany and leader of the Social Democratic Party.
Locations
All Coverage
A doctors' group says it "borders on madness" that patients will have to obtain the note in person.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
German airport worker dies of malaria after 'mosquito arrives on plane'
Five other airport workers are also receiving treatment following the rare outbreak at German's busiest airport.
August 26, 2026 at 11:02 AMGermany's Merz to press cabinet for faster pro-growth reforms - Reuters
Germany's Merz to press cabinet for faster pro-growth reforms Reuters
August 22, 2026 at 10:11 PMGerman state leader urges joint action to avert Volkswagen plant closures - Reuters
German state leader urges joint action to avert Volkswagen plant closures Reuters
August 24, 2026 at 08:24 PMHow a new era of heatwaves could shake up the school calendar
Teachers warn it could be increasingly difficult for classrooms to function during the hottest months.
August 22, 2026 at 11:16 PMGerman state politician calls for EU tariffs on Chinese hybrid cars, letter shows - Reuters
German state politician calls for EU tariffs on Chinese hybrid cars, letter shows Reuters
August 21, 2026 at 06:24 PMGerman industry presses Merz for tougher China policy - Reuters
German industry presses Merz for tougher China policy Reuters
August 28, 2026 at 05:03 AM