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Bildungsurlaub (educational leave) in Schleswig-Holstein

In Schleswig-Holstein you are entitled under the Weiterbildungsgesetz Schleswig-Holstein (WBG) to 5 working days of Bildungsurlaub per calendar year, paid and on top of your annual leave. The law calls it Bildungsfreistellung. 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
not approved automatically

Under the Weiterbildungsgesetz Schleswig-Holstein (WBG)

How to get your Bildungsurlaub in Schleswig-Holstein

  1. from month 7

    You are entitled

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

    § 11 WBG
  2. Course

    A course recognized in Schleswig-Holstein

    Each course is recognized individually.

  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

    The WBG sets no deadline for the reply.

    § 7 Abs. 2 Satz 2 WBG
  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 Schleswig-Holstein?

Who is entitled in Schleswig-Holstein?

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

Does this apply in small businesses too?

The WBG makes no exception for small businesses.

Can I save up days or combine them?

  • Combining: if the course requires it

Recognized courses in Schleswig-Holstein

All 13 courses for Schleswig-Holstein →

More questions about Bildungsurlaub

Bildungsurlaub in the other states