Leave of absence has to be applied for in writing at your institution of higher education. A reason and, if applicable, supporting documents have to be attached to the application. You can obtain forms from your relevant department or they are available as a download depending on what is offered by your institution of higher education.
You will receive written notification. Positive notification will normally contain the reason for the vacation, the duration of the leave of absence and the last semester in which you were enrolled.
Contrary to this, students granted leave due to maternity leave (Mutterschutz) or parental leave (Elternzeit) may attend courses, do course achievements and examinations and use the facilities of the institution of higher education. Please take note that in such a case you are only registered to attend course achievements and examinations if you yourself apply to do so.
When taking leave of absence due to maternity leave and parental leave, please bear in mind that you are responsible for applying for participation in coursework and exams yourself.