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Bildungsurlaub (educational leave) in Rhineland-Palatinate

In Rhineland-Palatinate you are entitled under the Landesbildungszeitgesetz (LBZG) to 10 working days of Bildungsurlaub over two years, paid and on top of your annual leave. The law calls it Bildungszeit. You apply to your employer no later than 6 weeks before the course starts.

The LBZG has applied since 1 March 2026 and replaced the Bildungsfreistellungsgesetz. § 14 Abs. 2 LBZG

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

10working days over two years

Waiting period
6 months
Notice period
6 weeks
No reply
not approved automatically

Under the Landesbildungszeitgesetz (LBZG)

How to get your Bildungsurlaub in Rhineland-Palatinate

  1. from month 7

    You are entitled

    As soon as you have worked for your employer for 6 months. The period starts on 1 January of every odd calendar year. If the employment begins in an even calendar year, the entitlement for that year is five working days.

    § 2 Abs. 9 LBZG
  2. Course

    A course recognized in Rhineland-Palatinate

    Each course is recognized individually. 10 days over two years (only vocational or socio-political training or qualification for voluntary activities)

  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

    As a rule, your employer notifies you of a rejection no later than 3 weeks before the course starts.

    § 4 Abs. 3 Satz 3 LBZG
  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 Rhineland-Palatinate?

Who is entitled in Rhineland-Palatinate?

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

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

10 days over two years (only vocational or socio-political training or qualification for voluntary activities)

The period starts on 1 January of every odd calendar year. If the employment begins in an even calendar year, the entitlement for that year is five working days.

Does this apply in small businesses too?

In companies with no more than 5 employees, the entitlement may not apply pursuant to § 2 Abs. 8 Satz 1 LBZG.

§ 7 Abs. 5 LBZG provides that in companies with fewer than 50 employees the entitlements conferred by this Act exist only insofar as reimbursement pursuant to § 7 Abs. 1 is possible; it is granted only within the limits of the state budget. The employer has to file the reimbursement application before approval, as required by § 7 Abs. 6. What counts is how many the company usually has.

Can I save up days or combine them?

  • Combining: by agreement, up to 20 days

Recognized courses in Rhineland-Palatinate

All 17 courses for Rhineland-Palatinate →

More questions about Bildungsurlaub

Bildungsurlaub in the other states