Parental leave (Elternzeit) in Germany is a right for all employed parents, giving you the chance to stay home with your child without losing your job. Whether you’re a mother, father, single parent, or an international employee, this guide explains how parental leave works, how to combine it with Elterngeld (parental allowance), and what options you have as an employee. We also share free tools to help you check your rights, calculate your benefits, and fill out your application step-by-step.
What Is Parental Leave (Elternzeit)?
Parental leave is unpaid leave from work that allows you to care for your child after birth. You can take up to 3 years per child, and your job is legally protected during this time.
Key facts:
- Available to both parents
- Can be taken together or separately
- Not tied to Elterngeld (you can take leave even if you don’t apply for money)
Your Rights as an Employee
✔️ You can take up to 36 months of Elternzeit
✔️ You can split it into up to 3 parts
✔️ Your job is protected by law
✔️ You can work part-time (up to 32 hours/week) during Elternzeit
✔️ You are entitled to return to your old or similar position afterward
🔔 Important: You must notify your employer in writing at least 7 weeks before the start of parental leave (13 weeks if your child is over 3).
Combining Parental Leave with Elterngeld
Parental leave is unpaid, but you can apply for Elterngeld to receive financial support during this time. You can choose:
| Type | Monthly Amount | Duration | Work Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Elterngeld | 65–100% of net income | Up to 14 months | Max. 32 hrs/week |
| ElterngeldPlus | Half the monthly rate | Up to 28 months | Max. 32 hrs/week |
| Partnership Bonus | Same as Plus | Extra 2–4 months | Both parents must work 24–32 hrs/week |
💡 Use our free Elterngeld Calculator Quiz to estimate your amount and find the best combination.
Example: A Two-Parent Household
- Parent A earns €2,500/month net
- Parent B earns €1,200/month net
- They both want to take time off
| Parent | Type of Leave | Months | Elterngeld/month | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parent A | Basic | 6 | ~€1,625 | €9,750 |
| Parent B | Basic + Plus | 8+4 | ~€780 | €9,360 |
| Total | €19,110 |
Can Foreigners Take Parental Leave?
Yes. If you:
- Live in Germany with your child
- Have a valid residence permit
- Are employed under German labor law
You have the same rights as German citizens.
📍 If you’re still abroad but plan to move to Germany, You can only take parental leave after you and your child are living in Germany. You must be covered by a German employment contract.
Unsure about your visa or rights? Try our Eligibility Quiz—it’s free and anonymous.
How to Request Parental Leave (Step-by-Step)
- Plan your leave
Decide how many months you want to take and when. You can split the time across the first 8 years of the child’s life. - Notify your employer
Write a short letter or email at least 7 weeks in advance. Include:- Dates of planned leave
- Whether you plan to work part-time
- Any additional periods planned later
- Apply for Elterngeld (optional)
Financial support is not automatic. Apply separately with your Elterngeldstelle.
💡 Our Form-Filling Quiz helps you prepare your Elterngeld application with all the required information.
Returning to Work
You can:
- Return full-time or part-time
- Extend your leave (with notice)
- Ask to work part-time during leave (your employer can only refuse in rare cases)
Employers must keep your job or offer a similar one when you return.
Final Checklist: Parental Leave for Employees
✅ You are employed in Germany
✅ Your child is under 3 (or 8 for second period of leave)
✅ You notified your employer (7 or 13 weeks in advance)
✅ You know your rights (job protection, part-time work, return to job)
✅ You applied for Elterngeld if needed
✅ You used our free quizzes to check and plan everything
Taking parental leave is your legal right in Germany. It allows you to bond with your child, support your partner, and come back to work with peace of mind.
