What is Bildungsurlaub and how can you use it to study English?

Did you know you can actually study English in Germany while still working – and even get paid leave for it? Sounds interesting, right?

This is possible through Bildungsurlaub (BU). If you are not sure what Bildungsurlaub is and how it can help you upskill while getting paid, this blog is for you. Many professionals in Germany use this opportunity to enhance their expertise, strengthen their communication and improve their careers.

Whether you want to enhance your language skills or explore professional development opportunities, Bildungsurlaub gives you the chance to learn, grow and study without stepping away from your job. In this guide, we will explain how Bildungsurlaub works and how you can benefit from it.

What is Bildungsurlaub?

Bildungsurlaub is a government-supported programme in Germany that allows employees to take a few days off work each year to attend approved educational courses.

The word is German for “educational leave” or “study leave”. It is a legal right that allows employees in most regions in Germany to take paid time off work to attend approved educational courses, including English language programmes.

In simple words, your employer continues to pay your salary whilst you attend a recognised course. You do not use up your annual holiday, and yet you get to enjoy learning. For English learners, it means you no longer have to choose between your job and your language goals.

A structured Bildungsurlaub English course gives you dedicated days to focus entirely on the language, with qualified teachers, a clear curriculum and real accountability – all while continuing to receive your normal salary.

Is Bildungsurlaub available across all of Germany?

The short answer is mostly yes, but it depends on your federal state (Bundesland). Most federal states offer Bildungsurlaub:

• Berlin
• Brandenburg
• Bremen
• Hamburg
• Hessen
• Niedersachsen
• Rheinland-Pfalz
• Saarland (covered by accreditations by other German states)
• Sachsen-Anhalt
• Schleswig-Holstein
• Thüringen

The standard entitlement is typically five days per year or ten days every two years, though the exact amount varies by state.

Who can use Bildungsurlaub to study English?

Eligibility varies by federal state, but in general you may qualify if you are:

• Employed (full-time or part-time) and have worked with your employer for a set period, usually between six months and one year.
• A trainee (Auszubildender) enrolled in a vocational programme.
• A freelancer or self-employed worker. Some states extend Bildungsurlaub to this group, so check your local regulations.

If you are uncertain, your HR department or state authority can quickly clarify your entitlement.

Can you use Bildungsurlaub for an English course?

Yes, and English is one of the most commonly approved subjects.

A Bildungsurlaub English course qualifies because language learning is firmly recognised as both professional and personal development. Improving your English broadens your career prospects and enables you to communicate in a language used internationally.

Programmes offered through English Path (EP) provide structured, accredited English courses for learners at all levels, perfectly aligning with Bildungsurlaub requirements.

How to book a Bildungsurlaub English course?

Booking a Bildungsurlaub English course is simple if you plan ahead and follow the required steps. Since the process involves approval from your employer and choosing a recognised course provider, it is best to prepare in advance.

To understand the full process and documentation needed, you can visit Bildungsurlaub.de for a detailed guide.

Benefits of Bildungsurlaub for English Learners

If the cost or time commitment of a proper English course has been holding you back, Bildungsurlaub removes both obstacles at once.

Here is why learning English matters as a professional:

• Your salary continues: You improve your English without losing a day's pay.
• You get focused learning time: No work emails, no distractions – just concentrated progress.
• It accelerates your development: Structured classroom learning with a qualified teacher helps you progress far faster than self-study.
• You can study abroad: A Bildungsurlaub English course in the UK puts you in a fully English-speaking environment all day, every day.
• It builds real confidence: Practicing in a supportive, structured setting helps you overcome hesitation.
• It strengthens your CV: Taking the initiative to improve your English through an approved programme signals ambition and professionalism to employers.

Tips to get the most from your English course

Turning up is just the beginning. Here is how to make every day of your Bildungsurlaub English course count:

• Set a goal before you go: Fluency, exam readiness, professional English or confident conversation.
• Use English every day: If you are studying abroad, every interaction outside school is a learning opportunity. Order your coffee in English, ask for directions and chat with classmates.
• Embrace mistakes: Every error is feedback. A good course provides a safe space to improve.
• Push yourself to speak: Most English learners find speaking the hardest skill. Lean into the discomfort.
• Keep learning when you return: Use apps, podcasts, films or conversation clubs to maintain momentum.

A Bildungsurlaub English course is an opportunity to build skills that stay with you long after the course ends. With the right mindset and consistent practice, these few days can create lasting confidence in your English.

Learn English at English Path with Bildungsurlaub

Bildungsurlaub reflects Germany’s commitment to making education accessible for working professionals. A Bildungsurlaub English course is more than just a few days off work. It is a structured opportunity to improve your language skills with qualified teachers, interactive learning and even the chance to study abroad while on paid leave With English Path, you can study English at any of our centres worldwide, choosing a destination that fits your learning and travel goals.

You can also combine two years’ worth of Bildungsurlaub to take up to 10 days of leave at once, giving you two full weeks to immerse yourself in English and make real progress in your language level.

English Path holds official Bildungsurlaub accreditation, which means the school has met the strict criteria set by state government authorities.

For German professionals, this matters. Bildungsurlaub approval is a recognised quality marker – a quick and reliable signal that a school has passed the required checks and delivers courses that meet the standard your application demands.

Find out if you are eligible, choose a course that fits your goals and take that step.

English Path is ready to help you make it happen.