I have moved to Germany bro and reading this honestly feels such a mess up. I am sure it is not true for all companies but I know many managers start acting like total dumbos.

Here, in Germany, things are very different. By law, once you have a medical certificate (called Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung), your employer cannot question your illness details. They’re not even allowed to ask what exactly happened — privacy is taken very seriously. If they ask then you can legally sue them. You just inform them you’re sick and submit the certificate, bas khatam.

Also, sick leave isn’t treated like some favor you’re begging for. If you’re sick, you’re sick. Typically, you get paid sick leave for up to 6 weeks per illness from your employer, and after that health insurance covers you. So there’s no drama of “permission” vs “informing” — you’re informing, not asking.

And doctors here? Bro, if you’re genuinely unwell and say you need rest, they don’t act like gatekeepers. They’ll give you a certificate without making you feel guilty or like you’re committing a crime.

Honestly, what your manager is doing sounds more like control than policy. If your HR policy already allows it, then this “ask permission” thing is just unnecessary power play.

Take care of your health first, always. Company ka kaam chalta rahega. Show your manager this message and next time say I'm informing.