Once you have successfully weathered this probation it becomes difficult for the company to dismiss you. If an established employee is to be dismissed, the length of the period of notice depends on his length of service and ranges from one month for those employed two years or less, to seven months for those with 20 or more years. Paid sick leave is six weeks, during which time you will continue to receive your full salary. A doctor must certify that you are unable to work. After the six weeks, your health insurance pays up to 90 percent of your last salary until you either return to work or have to retire because of your health.
German law is very generous when it comes to maternity and paternity leave.
Mothers are allowed six weeks leave at full pay prior to the child's birth and eight weeks at full pay afterward. The mother or father are then allowed up to three years of unpaid leave to stay at home with the child.