German sick pay calculator 2026
Enter your gross monthly salary and the number of sick-leave days to see how much the employer pays as continued pay and how much the statutory health insurer pays as Krankengeld.
Total: €6,777.56
Krankengeld (gross): 78.65 €/day · Contributions on Krankengeld: 13.23 €/day
Number of days: 42
| Employer | |
|---|---|
| Wage compensation | €5,600.00 |
| Total | €5,600.00 |
Number of days: 18
| Social insurance agency | |
|---|---|
| Krankengeld (net) | €1,177.56 |
| Total | €1,177.56 |
This is an indicative calculation. The net-income estimate is based on a simplified payroll engine (no church tax, tax class I). It does not account for individual contribution reductions or the exact payslip details. It does not replace a ruling from the health insurer or professional payroll advice.
How German sick pay is calculated in 2026
The first 6 weeks (42 calendar days) are paid by the employer as continued pay at 100% of gross salary (Entgeltfortzahlung).
From day 43, the health insurer takes over payment as Krankengeld: the lowest of three values — 70% of the daily Regelentgelt (salary/30, capped at €5,812.50/month), 90% of daily net income, or the statutory maximum of €135.63/day.
Contributions are deducted from the gross Krankengeld, calculated from 80% of the Regelentgelt: pension insurance 9.3%, unemployment insurance 1.3%, and long-term care insurance 1.8% (+0.6% for childless people aged 23+). Health insurance is not deducted from Krankengeld.
The Krankengeld support period lasts a maximum of 78 weeks within 3 years for the same diagnosis. The calculator uses the same payroll engine as the German net-salary calculator to estimate net income.
Examples: gross salary → total benefit for 60 days of sick leave
| Gross monthly salary | Total benefit (60 days) |
|---|---|
| €2,410.00 | €2,410.00 |
| €3,000.00 | €3,000.00 |
| €3,500.00 | €3,500.00 |
| €4,000.00 | €4,000.00 |
| €5,000.00 | €5,000.00 |
| €8,000.00 | €8,000.00 |
Frequently asked questions
How long does the employer pay full salary?
The first 6 weeks (42 calendar days), at 100% of gross salary.
How much is Krankengeld from an average salary?
At a gross salary of €4,000, Krankengeld is around €78.65/day (gross), around €65.42/day (net) after deducting contributions.
What is the maximum Krankengeld?
€135.63 per day in 2026 — this maximum applies regardless of how far the gross salary exceeds the contribution ceiling.
What contributions are deducted from Krankengeld?
Pension insurance, unemployment insurance and long-term care insurance, calculated from 80% of the Regelentgelt. Health insurance is not deducted from Krankengeld.
How long does Krankengeld last?
A maximum of 78 weeks within 3 years for the same diagnosis.
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Last updated: 18 July 2026