An employee in Germany who is on sick leave must report the illness to the employer. He does not have to stay available. In September 2026 a legal expert of the insurer ARAG explained that there is no general duty to be reachable by phone or e-mail at all times during sick leave. A legal-advice portal adds that a short piece of information can be required in special cases. Long handovers, long calls and video conferences are, as a rule, not owed.