German parental allowance (Elterngeld), explained

Elterngeld replaces 65-100% of your previous net income, between €300 and €1,800 a month. How much you get is decided months before the birth, and internationals routinely leave money on the table.

How it is calculated

The base is your "Elterngeld net": average gross of the 12 months before birth, minus taxes (official computation), minus a flat 21% for social contributions. Of that you usually receive 65% (up to 100% at low incomes). Exact numbers for your salary: parental allowance calculator.

Lever 1: switch tax class early

The tax class that applied for at least 7 of the 12 assessment months counts. If the expecting mother switches to class III early in the pregnancy, her Elterngeld net, and the allowance, rises noticeably; at €3,500 gross that is about €193 more per month than in class IV. The partner's higher monthly withholding comes back via the joint tax return.

Lever 2: combine Basic and Plus wisely

Basic: up to 14 months with partner months, full rate. Plus: half rate, double duration, and often better while working part-time, since earnings reduce it far less. The partnership bonus adds four more Plus months when both parents work 24-32 hours.

Lever 3: keep the assessment period clean

Months with maternity pay, Elterngeld for an older child or pregnancy-related sick pay are skipped automatically. Unpaid leave or a mini-job month, however, drags the average down, timing matters.

Limits and deadlines

  • No entitlement above €175,000 taxable annual income.
  • Apply at your state's Elterngeldstelle; back payment covers only the last 3 months of the child's life before the month you apply.
  • Sibling bonus: +10% (min. €75) while a child under 3 lives in the household.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much parental allowance will I receive in Germany?

You normally receive 65% of your Elterngeld net, between a minimum of €300 and a maximum of €1,800 per month.

When is the deadline to apply for Elterngeld?

There is no fixed deadline, but back payment covers only the last 3 months of the child's life before the month you apply, so apply as early as possible.

What is ElterngeldPlus?

ElterngeldPlus pays half the standard amount over double the duration and is often the better choice for parents working part-time, since earnings reduce it far less.

Legal basis: BEEG. Last updated 2026-11-04. General information, not legal advice. Also available in German.