If you’re expecting a child in Germany, two terms will pop up again and again: Elterngeld (parental allowance) and Elternzeit (parental leave). They sound similar, but they are not the same thing. Elterngeld is money you can receive. Elternzeit is time off from your job. You can have one without the other – but they work best together. Here’s how to make sense of it all.
💡 Use our website’s free tools to:
- Check your Elterngeld eligibility
- Estimate your Elterngeld amount
- Get a step-by-step application assistant
What Is Elterngeld?
Elterngeld is a financial support from the German state to help you when you take care of your baby and earn less or stop working. You can apply after the birth of your child.
📌 Main facts:
- Paid for up to 14 months (Basic) or up to 32 months (Plus)
- Replaces part of your lost net income after the birth
- Minimum: €300/month, Maximum: €1,800/month
- Available for both parents, single parents, or separated parents
You can choose:
| Type | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Elterngeld | Up to 14 months | Higher monthly payment, shorter time |
| ElterngeldPlus | Up to 28 months | Lower monthly payment, double the time |
| Partnership Bonus | +2–4 months | If both parents work part-time (24–32 hrs/week) |
🧮 Try our Elterngeld calculator quiz – it’s free and gives you a personal estimate!
What Is Elternzeit?
Elternzeit is your legal right to take time off from work to care for your child. During this time, your job is protected – your employer must let you return afterward.
📌 Main facts:
- Can last up to 3 years per child
- You must apply in writing to your employer
- The first 12 months must be taken before your child turns 3
- You can work part-time (up to 32 hours/week)
🔔 Important: You can take Elternzeit without getting Elterngeld, and vice versa. But Elterngeld only makes sense if you’re not working full-time.
Key Differences
| Feature | Elterngeld | Elternzeit |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Financial benefit | Job leave (unpaid) |
| Who handles it? | Government (Elterngeldstelle) | Your employer |
| Duration | Up to 32 months | Up to 36 months |
| Requires job? | No | Yes – must be employed |
| Paid? | Yes | No (unless you get Elterngeld) |
| Must apply? | Yes | Yes, to employer (in writing) |
Example: How to Combine Them
Let’s say Laura and Tom are expecting a baby.
- Laura stops working after birth, takes 12 months Elternzeit
- She gets 12 months of Basic Elterngeld, €1,200/month
- Tom also takes 2 months Elternzeit and receives €1,400/month
- After 12 months, Laura returns to work part-time and gets ElterngeldPlus for 6 months
📌 Total Elterngeld: Around €20,400
📌 Total Elternzeit: Laura 18 months, Tom 2 months
💡 We help you plan the best combination in our free Elterngeld advice quiz.
Special Info for Non-German Citizens
If you’re not German, you can still apply – but only if you live in Germany and have the right residence status.
✅ You’re eligible if:
- You are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland
- You have a residence permit that allows work
- You plan to move to Germany soon and will give birth there
🛂 For people abroad: You must register your address in Germany and have a valid visa or permit. You can’t apply for Elterngeld before the baby is born or before your move.
🎯 Unsure if you qualify? Use our free Elterngeld eligibility quiz.
Application Tips
📝 For Elterngeld:
- Apply after the birth (retroactively for up to 3 months)
- Use our form assistant quiz to get a document with all your info
- Submit to your local Elterngeldstelle
📝 For Elternzeit:
- Must apply 7 weeks before your planned leave
- Give notice to your employer in writing
- Say how long and when you want your leave
Final Checklist: Elterngeld + Elternzeit
✅ Decide who takes Elternzeit and when
✅ Use our quiz to choose the best Elterngeld type
✅ Talk to your employer about Elternzeit early
✅ Collect payslips and apply for Elterngeld after birth
✅ Save money – Elterngeld may not start right away
✅ File a tax return the year after you receive Elterngeld
💡 Make your life easier with our free tools:
- ✔️ Elterngeld eligibility checker
- 💰 Personalized Elterngeld calculator
- 🧾 Step-by-step application quiz
- 👩👩👧 Advice quiz to build your best Elterngeld plan
