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A Sick Pay Form (Krankmeldung) is the official document German employees use to notify their employer about illness-related absences. When you're sick and can't work, you'll need this form from your doctor, which includes your expected recovery time and confirms you're unfit for work.

Under German labor law, these forms play a crucial role in the continued wage payment system (Entgeltfortzahlung). Your doctor must provide this certificate by your third day of illness, though many employers request it from day one. The form's yellow copy goes to your health insurance, while your employer receives the pink version, ensuring you receive proper sick pay for up to six weeks.

Submit a Sick Pay Form (Krankmeldung) to your employer when illness prevents you from working. In Germany, you need this form starting from your first or third sick day, depending on your company's policy. Get it from your doctor during your consultation - they'll assess your condition and determine how long you need to recover.

For longer illnesses, you may need additional forms to extend your sick leave. This documentation protects your right to continued salary payments (Lohnfortzahlung) and helps your employer plan around your absence. The form also ensures your health insurance provider processes your case correctly, especially if your illness extends beyond the initial six-week period.

• Standard Medical Certificate (gelber Schein): The classic three-page form with copies for employer (pink), health insurer (yellow), and patient (white)
• Digital Sick Note (eAU): The new electronic version transmitted directly between doctor, health insurer, and employer
• Hospital Sick Certificate: Specific version issued for inpatient treatment periods
• International Sick Note: Modified form for employees who fall ill while working abroad in the EU
• Child Care Sick Note: Special version when parents need leave to care for ill children (Kinderkrankenschein)

• Medical Practitioners: Doctors examine patients and issue the official Sick Pay Form, determining illness duration and work capability
• Employees: Must obtain and submit the form when ill, following their employer's specific deadline requirements
• Employers: Receive and process forms, manage sick leave records, and handle continued wage payments
• Health Insurance Providers: Process claims and take over payments after the employer's six-week obligation ends
• HR Departments: Track sick leave documentation, ensure compliance with labor laws, and manage absence records

• Employee Information: Gather full name, insurance number, and employer details
• Medical Assessment: Doctor must examine patient and determine exact diagnosis and expected duration of illness
• Documentation: Complete all three copies of the form with clear, accurate information about work incapacity
• Distribution Plan: Ensure proper routing of forms - pink copy to employer, yellow to health insurance, white for patient
• Timing Requirements: Check employer's policy on submission deadlines (typically 1-3 days from illness start)
• Follow-up Schedule: Note when additional certificates might be needed for extended illnesses

• Patient Identifiers: Full name, date of birth, insurance number, and address details
• Medical Details: Diagnosis code (ICD-10), start date of illness, expected duration of incapacity
• Work Status: Clear statement of inability to work and projected return date
• Doctor Information: Physician's details, practice stamp, signature, and date of examination
• Insurance Data: Health insurance provider information and membership number
• Employer Section: Company name, address, and contact information
• Privacy Notice: Data protection statement compliant with GDPR requirements

People often confuse a Sick Pay Form (Krankmeldung) with a Return to Work Form, but they serve distinct purposes in German workplace health management. Here are the key differences:

• Timing of Use: A Sick Pay Form is submitted at the start of illness to confirm incapacity, while a Return to Work Form is completed when returning to document fitness for duty
• Medical Authority: Only doctors can issue Sick Pay Forms, but Return to Work Forms may be completed by occupational health professionals or HR
• Legal Purpose: Sick Pay Forms trigger salary continuation payments and insurance benefits, while Return to Work Forms focus on workplace reintegration and potential accommodations
• Documentation Structure: Sick Pay Forms use the standardized three-copy system, whereas Return to Work Forms vary by employer and may include workplace adjustment plans