Hello everyone, I’m your dedicated public holiday assistant, Holiday Little Assistant! Recently, one of our readers reached out and asked, “How many public holidays are there in Germany per year?” That’s a great question, and I’m here to break it all down for you. Whether you’re planning a trip, moving to Germany, or just curious, this guide will give you all the details you need. Let’s dive in!

Germany is known for its rich culture, history, and, of course, its public holidays. But here’s the thing—the number of public holidays in Germany isn’t the same across the entire country. Why? Because Germany is a federal republic, and each of its 16 states (or Bundesländer) can decide its own public holidays. That means some states have more holidays than others, depending on local traditions and religious observances. On average, though, most states have between 9 and 13 public holidays per year.

Questions Related to Public Holidays in Germany

Let’s tackle some of the most common questions about public holidays in Germany to give you a clearer picture.

1. What are the most common public holidays in Germany?
There are a few holidays that are celebrated nationwide, no matter which state you’re in. These include New Year’s Day (January 1), German Unity Day (October 3), and Christmas Day (December 25). Other widely observed holidays include Easter Monday, Labor Day (May 1), and Whit Monday (the day after Pentecost). These are pretty much guaranteed days off for most Germans.

2. Which German state has the most public holidays?
If you’re looking for the state with the most holidays, Bavaria takes the crown. Bavaria has 13 public holidays each year, thanks to its strong Catholic traditions. Holidays like Epiphany (January 6) and Corpus Christi (a movable feast in May or June) are observed here but not in all states. On the flip side, states like Berlin and Bremen have fewer holidays, usually around 9 or 10.

3. Are German public holidays the same every year?
Most of them are fixed, like Christmas or New Year’s Day. However, some holidays, like Easter and Pentecost, are based on the lunar calendar, so their dates change every year. This means the total number of holidays can vary slightly depending on how the dates fall.

4. Do Germans get time off for public holidays?
Absolutely! Public holidays in Germany are treated as days off for most workers. Schools, government offices, and many businesses close, giving people a chance to relax or celebrate. It’s worth noting that some businesses, like restaurants and shops, might stay open, but employees often receive extra pay for working on these days.

5. What’s the significance of German Unity Day?
German Unity Day is one of the most important national holidays in Germany. It’s celebrated on October 3 to commemorate the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990. It’s a day filled with patriotic events, fireworks, and celebrations across the country.

To sum it up, the number of public holidays in Germany varies by state, but on average, you can expect between 9 and 13 days off per year. Whether you’re in Bavaria enjoying an extra holiday or in Berlin making the most of a long weekend, Germany’s public holidays are a great way to experience the country’s culture and traditions.

Faqpro Thank you for reading, I hope this article helped you fully understand how many public holidays there are in Germany. If you have more questions or need help planning your next holiday, feel free to reach out to us. Happy holidays!