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Bildungsurlaub (educational leave) in Baden-Wuerttemberg

In Baden-Wuerttemberg you are entitled under the Bildungszeitgesetz (BzG BW) to 5 working days of Bildungsurlaub per calendar year, paid and on top of your annual leave. The law calls it Bildungszeit. You apply to your employer no later than 9 weeks before the course starts.

Compiled by Bildungszeit from the statute · Law read on 31 August 2026 · Last updated 24 October 2026 · Spotted a mistake? Write to us

Your entitlement

5working days per calendar year

Waiting period
12 months
Notice period
9 weeks
No reply
deemed approved, not in every case*

Under the Bildungszeitgesetz (BzG BW)

* Does not apply in every case. Details under the §.

How to get your Bildungsurlaub in Baden-Wuerttemberg

  1. from month 13

    You are entitled

    As soon as you have worked for your employer for 12 months. Renewed every calendar year.

    § 4 BzG BW
  2. Course

    A course recognized in Baden-Wuerttemberg

    The provider is recognized, not the individual course.

  3. 9 weeks before

    Apply no later than 9 weeks before the start

    If your course starts on 1 March 2027, hand in your application before 28 December 2026.

  4. Reply

    Your employer replies

    If your employer doesn't reject it in the required form within 4 weeks, the request is deemed approved, unless the arbitration board is called within that time.Automatic approval no reply after 4 weeks*

    * Does not apply in every case. Details under the §.

    If your employer doesn't reject it in the required form within 4 weeks, the request is deemed approved, unless the arbitration board is called within that time.

  5. Course week

    You take part

    On full pay, on top of your annual leave.

When does my application have to be in?

Hand in your application to your employer before 28 December 2026

What else applies in Baden-Wuerttemberg?

Who is entitled in Baden-Wuerttemberg?

Covered: employees, trainees, employee-like persons, home workers, civil servants, judges, sheltered workshop employees, and DHBW students.

Different for trainees and DHBW students: 5 days for the entire training period (political education and training for a voluntary role only)

Does this apply in small businesses too?

In companies with fewer than 10 people (excluding those employed for their vocational education), the company size itself counts as an operational ground for rejection pursuant to § 7 Abs. 3 Satz 1 BzG BW, so your employer can turn the request down more easily. The reference date is January 1.

Can I save up days or combine them?

  • Carry-over: not into the next year

Recognized courses in Baden-Wuerttemberg

All 13 courses for Baden-Wuerttemberg →

More questions about Bildungsurlaub

Bildungsurlaub in the other states