Krankmeldung: Wie sich Arbeitgeber gegen Blaumacher wehren können

Germany's unemployment rate has recently slightly decreased, with an average of 18.6 sick days per employee between January and November 2025, according to Techniker Krankenkasse data. In contrast, employees only took an average of 13 days off for illness in all of 2021. However, it's unclear how many of these sick days are genuine versus "blue-manning" - pretending to be ill.

According to a Yougov survey from last year, more than a quarter of Germans have lied about being sick at least once. A Pronova BKK study found that 60% of employees have faked being sick even when they felt fine. Seven percent do this "frequently." Roughly half of respondents have done so "sometimes" or "rarely." When an employee takes repeated sick leave despite being able to work, employers must take action.

Two labor law specialists explain the legal options companies have against such "sick exaggerators." Employees must inform their employer immediately when sick and provide an estimated duration of their inability to work. Often, they must submit a sick leave certificate (AU) only if it lasts longer than three days. The federal government plans to tighten this rule, but it hasn't been legislated yet.

Despite this, employers can request an AU before the three-day deadline. With legally insured employees, this is now directly sent by the health insurer to the employer after the doctor issues it since 2023. While on sick leave, an employee must not engage in activities that could impair their recovery, such as going to the movies or restaurant with a broken arm.

However, with the flu or gastroenteritis, staying home is advised. If no AU is provided, the employer can refuse payment. Some companies pay the salary even longer. Additionally, employers can impose sanctions when an employee cannot prove their inability to work, such as a warning or dismissal. Red flags in sick leave include employees notifying employers about their inability to work before, repeatedly taking sick leave shortly before or after vacations, weekends, or holidays, and being found working under the weather.

To verify the authenticity of an AU, employers can involve the medical service of the health insurance, which can check the accuracy and order investigations. However, this process can take several days or weeks. Another option is to hire a private detective, but this should be done carefully.