Bildungsurlaub
Bildungsurlaub for language courses: application and planning
How Bildungsurlaub works for language courses in Frankfurt: deadlines, employer documents, course planning and recognised languages at ForumLingua.
Bildungsurlaub is paid time off for recognised further training under German state law. For language learners, it can be a very effective way to make progress in a short time.
ForumLingua currently offers recognised Bildungsurlaub for English, Italian, Spanish and French intensive courses.
At a glance
- ✓ The application is normally submitted to the employer before the course starts.
- ✓ Recognition depends on the federal state and on the specific course.
- ✓ At ForumLingua, Bildungsurlaub is currently available for English, Italian, Spanish and French.
- ✓ Planning early is important because employers need the course documents in time.
What Bildungsurlaub means
Bildungsurlaub gives employees time off for recognised training. The exact rules depend on the federal state.
For language courses, the course must meet formal requirements such as intensity, duration and recognition.
What currently matters in Hesse
For employees whose main place of work is in Hesse, the entitlement normally begins after six months of employment. With a regular five-day week, the entitlement is usually five days per year.
The employer must receive the application in text form in good time. In Hesse, the deadline is normally at least six weeks before the recognised course starts.
Which languages are recognised at ForumLingua?
At ForumLingua, Bildungsurlaub is currently available for English, Italian, Spanish and French intensive courses.
Other languages can of course be booked as regular language courses. For Bildungsurlaub, the concrete course, language and dates must always be checked before planning.
How registration works
First we clarify language, level and preferred dates. Then registration, placement and the documents for the employer can be prepared.
It is better not to wait until the six-week deadline is close. The course documents should be complete when the employer receives the application.
Why a language course works well as Bildungsurlaub
The intensive format creates momentum because learners work with the language for several hours a day.
This is especially useful before professional changes, international work, travel or exams.
Check funding information carefully
Older information pages sometimes mention funding programmes that may no longer be the standard route for new applications.
For planning, the recognition of the concrete Bildungsurlaub course comes first. Any additional funding should be checked individually and currently.
Questions and answers
Which languages are recognised for Bildungsurlaub at ForumLingua?
Currently English, Italian, Spanish and French.
Is Bildungsurlaub the same as the WBH certification?
No. Bildungsurlaub recognition and WBH certification are separate topics.
How early should Bildungsurlaub be requested in Hesse?
In Hesse, the employer normally needs the request in text form at least six weeks before the recognised course starts.
How many days of Bildungsurlaub are usual in Hesse?
With a regular five-day week, the entitlement is usually five days per year. Other working-time models can change the number of days.
Does the old Bildungsprämie still apply?
The former federal Bildungsprämie is not the current standard route for new applications. Possible funding should be checked individually.