Vacation Request German Phrases for Work

Requesting vacation in Germany is not just about picking dates on a calendar. Most companies expect a written or emailed request, your manager needs to approve it, and there are legal rules about how much leave you get. Knowing the right vacation request German phrases makes the whole process smoother, especially when your team communicates in German.

Vacation request German phrases are the expressions you use to ask for time off, confirm dates with your team, and handle the back-and-forth with your manager. They cover email requests, verbal conversations, and the terminology on your company's HR portal. These phrases work at any level from A2 upward.

How Vacation Works in Germany

German employment law guarantees a minimum of 20 paid vacation days per year for a five-day work week. Most companies offer 25 to 30. Your contract specifies the exact number under “Urlaubsanspruch” (vacation entitlement). Unused days typically expire at the end of March the following year, though some companies are more flexible. For a broader look at workplace norms and communication, check our guide to working in Germany.

• “Urlaubsanspruch” - vacation entitlement
• “Resturlaub” - remaining vacation days
• “Urlaubstage” - vacation days
• “Betriebsurlaub” - company-wide shutdown (common between Christmas and New Year)

Many companies schedule a “Betriebsurlaub” in late December. This is deducted from your annual allowance, so plan accordingly. Your HR department or works council (“Betriebsrat”) can tell you the exact dates early in the year.

Vacation Request German Phrases for Email

A vacation request email in German follows a predictable structure: greeting, dates, reason (optional), and a polite closing. Keep it short. German managers prefer emails that get to the point. If you need help with general email structure, our German office phrases guide covers openings and sign-offs.

• “Ich möchte gerne Urlaub beantragen.” - I would like to request vacation.
• “Ich möchte vom 14. bis 25. April Urlaub nehmen.” - I would like to take vacation from April 14 to 25.
• “Könnten Sie meinen Urlaubsantrag bitte genehmigen?” - Could you please approve my vacation request?
• “Meine Vertretung während meiner Abwesenheit ist Frau Müller.” - My substitute during my absence is Ms. Müller.

Including your “Vertretung” (substitute/cover) in the email shows initiative. German managers appreciate knowing who handles your work while you are away. It also speeds up the approval.

Talking to Your Manager About Time Off

Some teams handle vacation requests verbally first, then follow up in writing. If your manager asks about your plans or you want to check dates before sending the formal request, these phrases help.

• “Wäre es in Ordnung, wenn ich nächste Woche freinehme?” - Would it be okay if I take next week off?
• “Ich habe noch fünf Urlaubstage übrig.” - I still have five vacation days left.
• “Passt es zeitlich, wenn ich im Juni Urlaub nehme?” - Does it work timing-wise if I take vacation in June?
• “Ich muss meinen Resturlaub noch aufbrauchen.” - I still need to use up my remaining vacation days.

The phrase “Resturlaub aufbrauchen” comes up every year around October or November when HR reminds everyone to use their remaining days. In some companies, your manager will actively ask you to plan your remaining days.

Useful Vocabulary for Your HR Portal

Most German companies use an online system for vacation requests. The interface is usually in German. These are the terms you will see on buttons, forms, and confirmation screens.

• “Urlaubsantrag” - vacation request (the form itself)
• “genehmigt” - approved
• “abgelehnt” - rejected
• “ausstehend” - pending
• “Abwesenheit” - absence

If your request shows “abgelehnt”, do not panic. It usually means there is a scheduling conflict with a colleague. Talk to your manager and suggest alternative dates. Vacation request German phrases (sometimes searched as “Urlaubsantrag Phrasen”) are the same whether you use them in an email, a chat message, or face to face.

What to Say When You Return from Vacation

Coming back to the office after time off is another small talk moment. Colleagues will ask how your break was. A short answer is all you need.

• “Ich bin gut erholt zurück.” - I am back well rested.
• “Der Urlaub war schön, danke.” - The vacation was nice, thanks.
• “Gibt es etwas, das ich verpasst habe?” - Is there anything I missed?

Practice workplace conversations, from requesting time off to your first day, in the First Day at the Office scenario on EverydayDeutsch.