{
  "id": 4141379,
  "title": "Krankmeldung: Wie sich Arbeitgeber gegen Blaumacher wehren können",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/krankmeldung-wie-sich-arbeitgeber-gegen-blaumacher-wehren-konnen",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-29T07:50:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/karriere/krankmeldung-was-firmen-rechtlich-gegen-blaumacher-tun-koennen-02/100180160.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "In Germany, the number of days employees take off due to sickness has remained high, with the Techniker Krankenkasse reporting an average of 18.6 sick days per employee between January and November 2025, compared to just 13 days per employee in 2021. It is difficult to determine exactly how many of these absences are genuine and how many are instances of \"bluebooking,\" where employees exaggerate or fabricate their illness. A Yougov survey found that over a quarter of Germans have claimed to be sick at some point while faking their illness. A study by Pronova BKK found that 60% of employees have faked being sick at least once when they felt fit enough to work, with 7% doing so frequently. If an employee repeatedly claims to be sick while they are actually fit for work, the employer must not accept this. Lawyers explain that employees must inform their employer immediately when they are unable to work and provide an estimate of how long the incapacity is expected to last. Employers can request an absence certification (AU) from an employee if the incapacity lasts longer than three days, although this rule is currently being tightened and may require a certification from the first day. While employees on sick leave are entitled to their full salary for six weeks, if they do not provide an AU, the employer can refuse payment. Employers may also impose penalties, such as a warning or even termination, if an employee cannot provide a valid certificate. Indications of bluebooking include employees notifying their employer of their absence before a planned event or continuing to work while ill. Employers can challenge an AU if there are reasonable doubts about its accuracy, such as if an employee announced their absence due to a holiday or conflict with a manager. However, proving a fake illness can be difficult, especially if the employee has a doctor's certificate. Employers can seek a medical review from the employer's medical service, but this can take several days or weeks, making it difficult to verify the employee's claim. Another option is to hire a private investigator, but this may be risky as it could potentially be detected.",
  "summary": "Aus dem Handelsblatt-Archiv: Ein Mitarbeiter meldet sich immer an Brückentagen und montags krank? Diese rechtlichen Möglichkeiten haben Firmen bei Verdacht auf Blaumachen.",
  "key_points": [
    "German employees take 18.6 sick days per person on average in 2025, up from 13 in 2021.",
    "25% of Germans admit to faking illness at some point, according to a Yougov survey."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}