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Bildungsurlaub (educational leave) in Thuringia

In Thuringia you are entitled under the Thüringer Bildungsfreistellungsgesetz (ThürBfG) 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 8 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
8 weeks
No reply
deemed approved

Under the Thüringer Bildungsfreistellungsgesetz (ThürBfG)

How to get your Bildungsurlaub in Thuringia

  1. from month 7

    You are entitled

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

    § 4 ThürBfG
  2. Course

    A course recognized in Thuringia

    Each course is recognized individually. 5 days per calendar year (only socio-political, work-related or volunteering-related education)

  3. 8 weeks before

    Apply no later than 8 weeks before the start

    If your course starts on 1 March 2027, hand in your application before 4 January 2027.

  4. Reply

    Your employer replies

    If your employer doesn't reject it in writing and explain the reasons within 4 weeks, the request is deemed approved.

  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 4 January 2027

What else applies in Thuringia?

Who is entitled in Thuringia?

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

Different for trainees: 3 days per calendar year (only socio-political, work-related or volunteering-related education)

5 days per calendar year (only socio-political, work-related or volunteering-related education)

Does this apply in small businesses too?

In companies with fewer than 5 employees (excluding those employed for their vocational apprenticeship), the entitlement may not apply pursuant to § 3 Abs. 6 Satz 1 ThürBfG.

Can I save up days or combine them?

  • Carry-over: only after a refusal, on request

Recognized courses in Thuringia

All 16 courses for Thuringia →

More questions about Bildungsurlaub

Bildungsurlaub in the other states