In what sounds more like a plot twist from a film than real life, a German teacher reportedly stayed at home for 16 years on full salary without stepping into the classroom. The controversy took a dramatic turn when, after years of unquestioned sick leave, her employer finally asked for a medical examination—and she responded with a lawsuit.

The case has triggered nationwide debate in Germany, exposing loopholes in the civil servant system and raising questions about accountability, fairness, and oversight.

According to a report by VICE, the teacher, whose name has not been disclosed, was employed at a vocational college in Wesel, North Rhine-Westphalia. Starting in 2009, she began taking extended sick leave but continued to receive her salary. Over the years, she collected an estimated €1 million (around ₹12 crore or $1.3 million), submitting monthly medical certificates that were never backed by a formal medical evaluation.

This arrangement persisted until a new school administrator initiated an audit earlier this year. The investigation uncovered a glaring gap in procedures: although the teacher regularly handed in medical certificates, no one had ever required her to undergo an official medical check.

Rather than comply, she challenged the request, claiming it violated her rights. But a German court dismissed her case, calling the situation “truly incomprehensible.” The court also ordered her to cover the school’s legal expenses, amounting to €2,500 (about $2,900).

Laurence Van Wassenhove is suing telecom giant Orange, formerly France Télécom, alleging two decades of paid inactivity severely impacted her well-being. Hired in 1993, her role diminished after developing health issues in 2002. Despite receiving a salary, Van Wassenhove claims the isolation and lack of purpose led to depression and financial struggles.

Civil Servants’ Privileges and the System’s Loopholes

In Germany, teachers are considered civil servants, a status that comes with generous benefits—including indefinite full-pay sick leave. While this provides important job security, it also demands strict rules and oversight. If the allegations against the teacher are confirmed, she may have violated multiple regulations. Local media reports suggest she started a medical startup and worked as a naturopath while on leave. If proven true, this could jeopardize her salary, pension, and even her civil servant title. Legal expert Ralf Delgmann, speaking to The Munich Eye, explained that any secondary employment requires prior approval. “Working while on sick leave raises serious questions about the validity of the illness,” he said.

Despite the concerns, Delgmann noted that reclaiming funds would be almost impossible. “Proving someone was not sick retroactively for 16 years is nearly impossible,” he added. While private-sector employees typically move to reduced benefits after six weeks of illness, civil servants can continue receiving full salaries until retirement with little oversight.

Delgmann described it as a “bigger problem,” highlighting the need for reform. “This case is a wake-up call,” he said. “It’s not about one person—it’s about gaps in policy that need to be addressed.”

For now, the teacher’s story remains both sensational and sobering—a reminder that even well-intentioned protections can be exploited when oversight is lacking.

A Beijing engineer, Wang, won a case against his former employer. He was forced to attend online training after work hours. The court ordered compensation of 19,000 yuan. Wang’s employer required training on DingTalk and WeChat. Refusal meant a 200 yuan deduction. The court called it an encroachment of personal time. This case highlights digital boundaries and labour laws.