Sick Leave in Denmark — Sygedagpenge & Employee Rights Explained

How Sick Leave Works in Denmark

Updated By exploringdenmark

In Denmark, if you’re too sick to work, you call in sick and stay home. There’s no set number of “sick days” — you take what you need. Your employer pays your full salary for the first 30 days (if covered by Funktionærloven), and after that, the municipality may take over with sygedagpenge. Here’s how it all works.

🙁 30 DAYS FULL PAY Then sygedagpenge 🙂 You’re sick Employer pays You recover

How it works

Danish sick leave is straightforward: if you’re unwell, you notify your employer (usually by phone or message before your workday starts), and you stay home until you’re well. There is no fixed quota of sick days per year. You take what’s medically necessary.

The key question is who pays you during the absence, and for how long.

Your rights as an employee

  • Funktionærloven employees (salaried white-collar workers, which covers most office jobs): your employer pays your full salary during sick leave for up to 30 days.
  • Hourly/blue-collar workers: depends on your collective agreement or employment contract. Many agreements guarantee full pay for a period, but some only guarantee sygedagpenge rates from day 1.
  • Probation period: you can still take sick leave during your probation, but excessive absence during the first 3 months may give the employer grounds for termination with shorter notice.

You cannot be fired for being sick — but there are limits. Under the “120-day rule” (120-dages reglen), if your employment contract includes this clause, your employer can terminate you with 1 month’s notice if you’ve been absent for 120 days within a 12-month period. Not all contracts include this clause.

Employer obligations

Your employer must:

  • Pay your salary during the first 30 calendar days of each sick absence (for Funktionærer).
  • Conduct a sickness meeting (sygefraværssamtale) within 4 weeks of the first sick day if the absence continues. This is a conversation about your expected return — not a disciplinary meeting.
  • Report long-term absence to the municipality if it exceeds 30 days, so sygedagpenge can take over.

Sygedagpenge (sickness benefit)

After the employer’s payment period ends (typically 30 days), the municipality pays sygedagpenge — a daily sickness benefit. The maximum rate is approximately 4,650 DKK/week (2026), which is less than most people’s salary. Some collective agreements top this up to full salary.

To receive sygedagpenge, you must be registered in the CPR system, have worked a minimum number of hours before the illness, and cooperate with the municipality’s follow-up process.

Doctor’s notes

Your employer can request a doctor’s note (lægeerklæring or mulighedserklæring) from the first day of absence. In practice, most employers only ask for one after 3–5 days of absence, but they’re legally entitled to ask sooner.

The employer pays for the doctor’s note. Contact your GP to get one — it confirms that you are unable to work and may indicate an expected duration.

Long-term sickness

If you’re sick for an extended period, the municipality becomes involved. They’ll assess your situation, may request a mulighedserklæring (a form filled out jointly by you and your employer about what work you can/can’t do), and will follow up regularly. The goal is to help you return to work — possibly with reduced hours or adjusted duties.

Sygedagpenge can be paid for up to 22 weeks within a 9-month period, with possible extensions for serious illness. After this, you may transition to other support (rehabilitation, disability, or job assessment).

Common problems

My employer is pressuring me to come back too early

You’re entitled to be away as long as you’re medically unfit. A doctor’s note supports your case. If pressure continues, contact your union (fagforening) or seek legal advice.

I’m a new employee — can I call in sick?

Yes. Sick leave rights apply from day one. During the probation period, extended absence may affect your position — but you still have the right to be sick when you’re sick.

I got sick on holiday

If you fall ill during your holiday, you can reclaim those holiday days — but you must notify your employer immediately and get a doctor’s note from the first day of illness.

Questions and answers

Do I get paid full salary when I’m sick?

If you’re a Funktionær: yes, for the first 30 days. After that, it depends on your collective agreement. At minimum, you’ll receive sygedagpenge from the municipality.

Can my employer ask why I’m sick?

They can ask when you expect to return, but you’re not required to disclose your diagnosis. A doctor’s note confirms you’re unfit for work without specifying the condition.

Is there a waiting period before sick pay kicks in?

For most employees: no. Sick pay starts from the first day of absence. Some hourly contracts may have a 1-day waiting period — check your contract.

Sources

  1. Life in Denmark — employment rights.
  2. borger.dk — sygedagpenge information.