Asking for Time Off
Use these phrases at work to request vacation days, explain coverage with colleagues, get approval, or call in sick.
Key Phrases
Könnte ich nächsten Freitag einen Tag frei bekommen?
politeCould I get next Friday off?
Polite request using the polite subjunctive; ideal when speaking to a supervisor.
Ich möchte nächste Woche zwei Tage frei nehmen.
neutralI would like to take two days off next week.
Standard phrasing suitable for both written requests and spoken conversations.
Kann ich am Montag vielleicht spontan frei nehmen?
casualCan I maybe take Monday off on short notice?
Informal; use with a relaxed team lead or close coworkers.
Ich bin heute krank und kann nicht zur Arbeit kommen.
neutralI am sick today and cannot come to work.
Standard formal notification to call or email your workplace in the morning.
Ich fühle mich nicht gut und bleibe heute im Bett.
casualI don't feel well and am staying in bed today.
Informal; common in a direct message to friendly teammates.
Ich brauche frei, weil ich einen wichtigen Arzttermin habe.
neutralI need time off because I have an important doctor's appointment.
Uses 'weil' with the verb at the end to state your reason clearly.
Meine Kollegin Sarah übernimmt alle Aufgaben an diesem Tag.
neutralMy colleague Sarah will take over all tasks on this day.
Reassures your supervisor that your work is handled.
Kannst du mich am Freitagnachmittag für zwei Stunden vertreten?
casualCan you cover for me for two hours on Friday afternoon?
Direct question when asking a coworker to step in for you.
Geht das in Ordnung oder gibt es noch wichtige Termine?
neutralIs that all right or are there still important appointments?
Useful check to ensure your absence does not conflict with team plans.
Geben Sie mir bitte kurz Bescheid, wenn das klappt.
politePlease let me know briefly if that works out.
Polite formula asking for final approval from a manager.