How many days of Bildungsurlaub do I get?

In most German states 5 working days a year. Some states let you carry unused days into the next year. The rules depend on the state your employer is based in.

Who pays for Bildungsurlaub?

Your employer keeps paying your salary. You normally pay the seminar fee yourself, and some employers contribute. Lessons, kite camps and accommodation are private extras.

Can my employer refuse?

Only in exceptional cases, for example for urgent operational reasons, and usually in writing. Apply in good time, usually 4–6 weeks before the start.

Is there Bildungsurlaub in Bavaria and Saxony?

No, neither state has a Bildungsurlaub law. Some employers in Saxony have still agreed voluntarily when recognition from another state was available.

Do I need to know how to kite?

No. As a beginner you add a kite course. Help 2 Kite is only for advanced riders who kite safely and independently.

Educational Leave with Kitesurfing in Tarifa

What is Bildungsurlaub?

In most German federal states, employees are entitled to Bildungsurlaub: paid leave for recognised professional training, usually 5 days a year. Your salary continues, and you normally pay the seminar fee yourself; some employers contribute.

Our partner Work Surf Balance runs these seminars in Tarifa. You attend the seminar for part of the day, and the rest belongs to the wind. Lessons, kite camps and gear come from us, Tarifa Surf Club. The seminars are in German.

Seminars and topics

Depending on the course, seminars run online, hybrid or on site in Tarifa:

Artificial intelligence: KI Kompakt (basics, first applications, law and ethics), KI Advanced (AI-supported workflows and automation) and KI Studio (current tools and your own project).
Mental health: MH Reset (resilience, mindfulness, stress management) and MH Clear Mind (change, self-leadership, focus).
Communication: Einfach überzeugen (storytelling, visual thinking and presenting).
Combined dates: KI Kompakt + Advanced, and MH Reset + Clear Mind.

Current dates and prices are on the Work Surf Balance website under seminars & dates.

Combining Bildungsurlaub and kitesurfing

Lessons: beginners and improvers learn with us in small groups or privately, around the seminar times.
Kite camp: add a kite camp before or after your seminar, with accommodation, lessons and gear.
Help 2 Kite: for advanced riders who kite safely and independently. With gear, spot guide and boat rescue.
Accommodation: apartments near the beach in Tarifa with a terrace, kitchen and fast Wi-Fi. Extra nights subject to availability.

Work Surf Balance explains the combination under kite camp with Bildungsurlaub. Our own offers are under lessons and kite camps.

Tarifa Surf Club kite group jumping for joy on the beach

Which German states recognise the seminars?

According to Work Surf Balance, the seminars are recognised in these states (as of 2026):

recognisedBaden-Württemberg
recognisedBerlin
via BerlinBrandenburg
recognisedBremen
recognisedHamburg
recognisedHessen
recognisedNiedersachsen
recognisedNordrhein-Westfalen
recognisedRheinland-Pfalz
recognisedSaarland
recognisedSachsen-Anhalt
recognisedSchleswig-Holstein
recognisedThüringen
KI Kompakt & Advanced onlyMecklenburg-Vorpommern
no Bildungsurlaub lawBayern
no Bildungsurlaub lawSachsen

See the current overview at Work Surf Balance. Without recognition you can still ask your employer for leave, but you have no legal entitlement.

How to apply

Choose a seminar that fits your professional goals.
Check recognition for the state your employer is based in.
Request the documents via the Work Surf Balance contact form: seminar description and recognition certificate.
Submit them to your employer, usually 4–6 weeks before the start. You only receive the deposit invoice once approved.

Then plan the kite part directly with us: just tell us when your seminar takes place.

Educational leave in Tarifa Combine professional training and kitesurfing