Only two German states grant a paid holiday on International Women's Day
International Women's Day is celebrated every year on March 8. In Germany, only two states, Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, recognize it as an official public holiday. This means that most workers across the country still have to report to their jobs on that date.
Berlin first declared March 8 as a public holiday in 2019, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern followed suit. Employees in these states receive a paid day off, just like on other official holidays.
The key factor for whether someone gets the day off is their workplace, not where they live. If March 8 falls on a public holiday in your workplace, the Continuation of Remuneration Act ensures full pay—even if you don't work. In 2027, the date will land on a Monday, potentially creating a long weekend for those in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
In the other 15 German states, March 8 remains a normal working day. Employees there are expected to work unless their employer grants special leave. Neighbouring countries like Austria and Switzerland also do not observe it as a public holiday, meaning no automatic paid day off.
After International Women's Day, Germany's next major holidays include Easter, May 1 (Labor Day), and—depending on the state—Ascension Day.
For now, only workers in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern benefit from a paid day off on March 8. The rest of Germany, along with Austria and Switzerland, treats it as a standard working day. The holiday's recognition remains limited to a handful of regions.
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