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Bildungsurlaub (educational leave) in Hesse

In Hesse you are entitled under the Hessisches Bildungsurlaubsgesetz (HBUG) to 5 working days of Bildungsurlaub per calendar year, paid and on top of your annual leave. You apply to your employer no later than 6 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
6 months
Notice period
6 weeks
No reply
deemed approved, not in every case*

Under the Hessisches Bildungsurlaubsgesetz (HBUG)

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

How to get your Bildungsurlaub in Hesse

  1. from month 7

    You are entitled

    As soon as you have worked for your employer for 6 months. Renewed every calendar year.

    § 4 HBUG
  2. Course

    A course recognized in Hesse

    Providers or individual courses are recognized. You attach the program to your application.

  3. 6 weeks before

    Apply no later than 6 weeks before the start

    If your course starts on 1 March 2027, hand in your application before 18 January 2027.

  4. Reply

    Your employer replies

    If your employer doesn't reject it in the required form within 3 weeks, the request is deemed approved, provided your notification meets all statutory requirements, including text form, at least six weeks before the start of the requested leave, with a registration confirmation, proof of recognition and the programme of the educational event.Automatic approval no reply after 3 weeks*

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

    If your employer doesn't reject it in the required form within 3 weeks, the request is deemed approved, provided your notification meets all statutory requirements, including text form, at least six weeks before the start of the requested leave, with a registration confirmation, proof of recognition and the programme of the educational event.

  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 18 January 2027

What else applies in Hesse?

Who is entitled in Hesse?

Covered: employees, trainees, home workers, employee-like persons, and sheltered workshop employees.

Not covered: civil servants, soldiers, and judges.

Different for trainees: 5 days per calendar year (excluding vocational training)

Does this apply in small businesses too?

The HBUG makes no exception for small businesses.

Can I save up days or combine them?

  • Combining: with the following year, up to 10 days

Recognized courses in Hesse

All 10 courses for Hesse →

More questions about Bildungsurlaub

Bildungsurlaub in the other states