Feeling ill on a work day? Call in sick. Not showing up for work due to illness is greeted with sympathy rather than grumbles from co-workers in Germany, even for extended periods. Employers can require a doctor’s note for absences of just one day, and will likely demand one for anything more than three. But don’t worry, doctors are very generous in granting time off and you’re legally required to stay at home for the period the doctor orders – so be sure you agree with the number of days the doctor wants you in bed. Because sick days are culturally acceptable in Germany, they’re often held up by businesses as an excuse for not offering a particular service on a given day or delivering a product on time – although frustrating for foreigners, it’s a fact of German life that locals take in their stride.