Ascension Day in Germany: Dates and Nationwide Holiday Rules
View the global Ascension Day guide
Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt) is observed across Germany on the Thursday 39 days after Easter Sunday. It combines a Christian feast with widespread Father’s Day outings. The Deutsche Bundesbank includes the applicable date among holidays observed throughout the Federal Republic.
Ascension Day
Holiday
Germany
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Thursday
Day
May
14
May 14, 2026
Ascension Day Date in Germany
Date
May 14, 2026
Day
Thursday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
Yes
Date Confirmed
Yes
Ascension Day Dates in Germany
Ascension Day 2026
- Confirmed
Ascension Day 2027
- Confirmed
Ascension Day 2028
- Confirmed
History of Ascension Day
Christi Himmelfahrt is observed on the Thursday 39 days after Easter Sunday. It is one of Germany’s nationwide movable holidays.
Importance of Ascension Day
Germany’s Continued Remuneration Act requires normal pay when scheduled work is lost because of a legal holiday. That rule does not mean every operation closes, and state quiet-day laws can add separate restrictions.
How Ascension Day Is Celebrated in Germany
Churches observe the Ascension feast. The same date is also widely associated with Father’s Day outings, although customs vary by region and group.
Office Impact
Federal, state and municipal offices normally close for Christi Himmelfahrt. Police, hospitals, transport and other essential services continue with holiday staffing.
Bank Impact
Branch access is limited, but payment processing depends on the specific system. Bundesbank distinguishes nationwide holidays, TARGET closures and additional bank non-business days, so settlement timing should be checked.
School Impact
Ordinary classes do not meet on this nationwide holiday. Longer Easter, Pentecost or Christmas breaks differ by Land because the Länder set most school-vacation dates.
Travel Information
The Thursday holiday may prompt locally busier leisure travel, but service levels are operator-specific. Verify the calculated date and timetable.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ascension Day in Germany?
It is observed on the Thursday 39 days after Easter Sunday.
What is the German name?
The German term is Christi Himmelfahrt.
Is holiday pay protected?
Scheduled work lost because of a legal holiday is covered by section 2 of the Continued Remuneration Act, subject to its conditions.