How to Calculate Holiday Pay in Germany

Holiday pay in Germany is regulated by the Entgeltfortzahlungsgesetz (Wage Continuation Act). When a public holiday falls on a regular workday, employees are entitled to their regular pay even if they don't work.

Key Rules for German Holiday Pay

• Entitlement: Employees receive their regular daily wage on public holidays.
• Working on Holidays: If you work on a public holiday, you're typically entitled to either time off in lieu or premium pay (usually 25-50% extra).
• States May Differ: Each German state (Bundesland) has its own holiday calendar.

Example Calculation

If your monthly salary is €3,500 and you work 22 days in a month, your daily rate is approximately €159. If you work on a public holiday, you would receive your regular daily pay plus potentially holiday premium pay.