Questions on labour law: When is special leave granted for a funeral?
If employees want to attend the funeral of a family member, they have to take the day off. Some are entitled to special leave for this - but not all.
In Germany, employees are generally allowed to take paid time off to attend the funeral of a close relative, as per Section 616 of the Civil Code (BGB). However, many modern employment contracts often exclude this provision, allowing employers to deduct the day's pay if an employee attends a funeral. According to lawyer Alexander Bredereck, close relatives include spouses, registered life partners, parents, children, and siblings, but not necessarily grandparents or friends.
He advises employees to check their employment and collective bargaining agreements and to discuss funeral leave with their employer in advance to find a mutually agreeable solution.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
