What Is the Düsseldorf Table?
The Düsseldorf Table is Germany's primary guideline for calculating child maintenance. Published by the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court, it sets minimum maintenance amounts based on the paying parent's income and the child's age.
Structure of the Table
The 2026 table has 15 income brackets (from up to €2,100 to over €11,000 adjusted net income) and 4 age groups: 0-5 years, 6-11 years, 12-17 years, and 18+.
Calculating Child Maintenance
Three steps: determine the paying parent's adjusted net income, look up the table amount, subtract half the child benefit (for minor children). Example: a father earns €3,500 net with an 8-year-old child — table amount approximately €610 minus €125 half child benefit = €485 monthly.
Self-Retention Amount
The paying parent must retain enough to live on. The minimum self-retention in 2026 is €1,370 for employed persons and €1,120 for unemployed persons toward minor children. If income is insufficient, a shortfall situation (Mangelfall) occurs.