Elternzeit — Parental Leave in Germany

What is it?

Elternzeit is unpaid leave from work to care for a child. Your employer MUST grant it to you.

How long does it last?

• Up to 3 years per child
• Can be used until the child's 8th birthday
• Can be divided between parents

How to divide it?

Examples:
- Mother 2 years + Father 1 year
- Mother 1 year + (break) + Mother 1 year when child is 5 years old
- Both at the same time (max 3 years together)

How to apply?

1. In writing to your employer
2. Min. 7 weeks before (first 3 years of child's life)
3. Min. 13 weeks before (between 3-8 years of age)

What to include in the application:

• From when to when
• Whether you plan to work part-time (max 32 hours/week)

Protection from dismissal

🛡️ Kündigungsschutz (dismissal protection):
- From the moment you submit the application (max 8 weeks before)
- Throughout the entire Elternzeit period
- Up to 8 weeks after returning

What about money?

Elternzeit = unpaid leave.

BUT you can receive:
- Elterngeld (up to €1,800/month) — see article on Elterngeld
- Kindergeld (€255/month) — always

Work during Elternzeit

You can work up to 32 hours per week:
- With the same employer
- With another employer (with permission)
- As a freelancer (with permission)

You will then receive ElterngeldPlus.

Important notes!

• Submit your application ON TIME — your employer cannot refuse, but you must meet the deadlines
• Health insurance: free during Elternzeit (familienversichert)
• Pension: Elternzeit counts toward your pension (Kindererziehungszeiten)