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Parental Leave Calculator (Germany) 2026

Calculate your German Elterngeld: Basiselterngeld or ElterngeldPlus, sibling bonus, and multiple birth supplements at a glance.

€

No sibling bonus

Elterngeld/Month

€1,625.00

Replacement Rate

65%

Benefit Months

14

Base Elterngeld
€1,625.00
Elterngeld/month total
€1,625.00

Comparison: Basiselterngeld vs. ElterngeldPlus

Basiselterngeld total€22,750.00
ElterngeldPlus total€22,750.00
Difference€0.00

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What is Elterngeld?

Elterngeld (parental allowance) is a German government benefit for parents who reduce or pause their employment to care for a newborn child. It is regulated by the Bundeselterngeld- und Elternzeitgesetz (BEEG) and is designed to partially replace lost income during the first months of a child's life. You are eligible if you have your primary residence in Germany, live in the same household as your child, and work no more than 32 hours per week. This applies to all residents regardless of nationality, making it an important benefit for expats working in Germany.

Basiselterngeld vs. ElterngeldPlus

Basiselterngeld replaces approximately 65 to 67 percent of your average net income from the twelve months before your child's birth. It is paid for up to 12 months and can be extended by 2 partner months (Partnermonate) if the other parent also takes at least two months of parental leave, for a total of 14 months. ElterngeldPlus pays half the monthly amount but for twice as long. It is especially attractive for parents who plan to work part-time during their parental leave, as the total payout over the longer period can exceed the Basiselterngeld total.

How the Replacement Rate Works

The replacement rate determines what percentage of your net income you receive as Elterngeld. For net incomes between EUR 1,000 and EUR 1,200, the rate is exactly 67%. For lower incomes the rate increases gradually up to 100%, providing stronger support for lower earners. For incomes above EUR 1,200 the rate decreases slightly to a minimum of 65%. The minimum monthly benefit is EUR 300 (Basiselterngeld) or EUR 150 (ElterngeldPlus), and the maximum is EUR 1,800 or EUR 900 respectively. Even parents without prior income (for example, students) receive the minimum amount.

Sibling Bonus and Multiple Birth Supplement

Families with additional small children receive the Geschwisterbonus (sibling bonus): a 10% increase on the Elterngeld amount, with a minimum of EUR 75 per month. You qualify if you have another child under 3 years old or two children under 6 in your household. For multiple births, each additional child (from the second onwards) qualifies for an extra EUR 300 per month (Basiselterngeld) or EUR 150 per month (ElterngeldPlus). These supplements are added on top of the regular Elterngeld and the sibling bonus.

Important Notes for Expats

This calculator provides an estimate based on current German legislation (BEEG 2024/2025). Your exact entitlement depends on individual factors such as your tax class (Steuerklasse), the assessment period, and whether you are employed or self-employed. For self-employed individuals, the average income from the last twelve calendar months is used. As of April 2025, the income threshold above which Elterngeld is no longer available is EUR 175,000 combined household income. For binding information, contact your local Elterngeldstelle (parental allowance office). All calculations run entirely in your browser and no personal data is transmitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Basiselterngeld is paid for up to 12 months (plus 2 partner months) at 65-67% of your net income, capped at EUR 1,800/month. ElterngeldPlus is paid for twice as long at half the rate (capped at EUR 900/month). ElterngeldPlus can be more advantageous if you plan to work part-time during parental leave.
The base replacement rate is 67% of your average net income over the 12 months before birth. For net incomes below EUR 1,000, the rate increases gradually up to 100%. For incomes above EUR 1,200, it decreases to a minimum of 65%. The minimum benefit is EUR 300/month (Basiselterngeld) or EUR 150/month (ElterngeldPlus).
The sibling bonus adds 10% to your Elterngeld amount, with a minimum of EUR 75/month. You qualify if you have another child under 3 years old or two children under 6 years old living in your household.
You are eligible for Elterngeld if you have your primary residence in Germany, live in the same household as your child, and work no more than 32 hours per week (for births after April 1, 2024). This applies regardless of nationality, as long as you have a valid work and residence permit.
No. All calculations run entirely in your browser. No data is sent to any server or stored anywhere.

All calculations are for general informational purposes only. Not financial, tax, or legal advice. No guarantee of accuracy. Use at your own risk. Full disclaimer