Educational Leave Glossary

The key terms around educational leave – explained briefly and clearly.

Educational leave is regulated differently in each German state. This overview explains central terms. It is not legal advice – the respective state law applies.

Educational leave (Bildungsurlaub): A statutory right to paid time off work to attend accredited further education. Regulated in most German states – Bavaria and Saxony have no such law.
Bildungszeit: The name used for educational leave in some states, for example Baden-Württemberg.
Bildungsfreistellung: The name used for educational leave in some states, for example Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland.
Recognition (Anerkennung): Official approval of a course or provider by the responsible state authority so the course counts as educational leave.
Course recognition: Recognition of a specific course for a specific German state. It is distinct from provider recognition and may be time-limited.
Provider recognition (Trägeranerkennung): Recognition of an education provider or organiser by a German state. Depending on state law, separate course recognition or notification may still be required.
Recognition notice: Written proof from the responsible authority confirming recognition. It may include the state, validity period, reference number and conditions.
AZAV: The German accreditation and approval regulation for employment promotion – the legal basis for certifying training providers through expert bodies.
Certificate of participation: Proof of attendance for a course that employees present to their employer.
Right to release (Freistellungsanspruch): The right to be released from work for accredited further education – around five days per year in many states.
Provider recognition: Recognition of the organiser or provider by a state authority. Also called Trägeranerkennung.
State law (Landesgesetz): Each state with educational leave regulates entitlement and procedure in its own law. Details therefore differ from state to state.
Application deadline: The period within which the request must be submitted to the employer – often four to six weeks before the course starts.
Employer application: A request or notice submitted to the employer to take educational leave for a recognised course. Content and deadline depend on the German state.
Rejection: An employer decision not to approve an application. Permitted reasons and response deadlines differ by state law.
Urgent operational reasons: A possible reason for rejection under some state laws. Whether it applies depends on the workplace, timing and relevant law.
Qualifying period (Wartezeit): Minimum length of employment – often six months – before educational leave can be taken for the first time.
Minimum duration: The minimum course duration required for recognition as educational leave. Requirements differ by German state.
Teaching hours: The time volume of a course or course day. Recognition authorities may require minimum hours per day or event.
Online course: A digital course. Depending on the state and recognition, structured live or interactive formats are often more relevant than purely self-paced learning.
Carry-over (Übertragung): Rules on how unused days are handled. Some state laws allow carrying days over into the following year.
Funding programme: Public or employer support for training costs. Funding must be checked separately from recognition as educational leave.
Subsidy: A financial contribution, for example from an employer or funding body. A subsidy does not automatically replace course recognition.
Self-payer: A participant who pays course costs personally. Leave entitlement, employer support and public funding are separate questions.
Cancellation terms: Rules for cancellation, rebooking and refunds. They are distinct from statutory withdrawal rights and goodwill decisions.

Find more how-tos and background in our guides. Educational-leave guides →