2 weeks mandatory vacation?

No, two weeks of Vacation are not legally required in Germany. According to the Federal Vacation Act (BUrlG), the minimum Vacation entitlement for employees is 24 working days. This is based on a six-day week. For a five-day week, that equates to 20 Vacation days. There is no specific clause in the law that mandates a fixed duration of two weeks of Vacation at a time.

However, it is advisable for many employees to take longer Vacation periods to effectively recuperate. Employers often show flexibility in the distribution of Vacation time as long as the operational workflow is not disrupted. Individual agreements between employers and employees can be made to facilitate this process.

Another concept in Vacation planning is the "company agreement," which can establish specific rules within a company regarding Vacation planning. These agreements often regulate how Vacation can be requested and whether longer continuous vacations are possible.

Sometimes, unions or works councils advocate for longer continuous Vacation periods. However, this can depend on operational needs and seasonal factors. In some industries, it is more feasible to take longer continuous breaks, while in others, it is less so.

For employees, it remains essential to plan their Vacation early and get it approved in a timely manner. Flexible negotiation skills and good communication can be helpful in this regard. It is advisable to always be individually informed about the respective company policy and the current regulations of the employment contract.