German child benefit (Kindergeld) is 259 € per child and month in 2026. Many parents need it for everyday life. But even part of it can grow into a considerable amount over 18 years. We run the numbers.
The calculation
Assumption: savings plan from birth to the 18th birthday, 6 % return a year, 0.2 % ongoing costs.
| Monthly | Share of child benefit | Paid in | Value at 18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 € | 10 % | 5,400 € | 9,337 € |
| 50 € | 19 % | 10,800 € | 18,675 € |
| 100 € | 39 % | 21,600 € | 37,349 € |
| 259 € | 100 % | 55,944 € | 96,735 € |
Investing the full child benefit for 18 years gives almost 100,000 € in the end. Even 50 € a month, about a fifth of the benefit, results in more than 18,000 €.
Stay realistic
Investing the full child benefit is not feasible for most families. Children cost money, and that is what child benefit is meant for. How much a child really costs per month is shown by the Child Cost Calculator. A fixed share, for example 25 or 50 €, is a good compromise for many.
The return is not certain either. At 4 % instead of 6 %, 50 € a month would grow to about 15,369 €; at 8 %, to about 22,815 €. Over 18 years, however, broadly diversified equity ETFs have historically had very few periods with a loss.
More than 18,000 €: what you should know
With large amounts in a child's account there are two limits:
- Student aid (BAföG): assets above 15,000 € are counted. With 100 € a month, the account at 18 is about 22,000 € above this limit.
- Family health insurance: if a large account is sold in one year, the income can exceed the limit of 565 € a month. With the full child benefit this is the case. Spread the sale over several years.
More in the article Child Account Pitfalls.
Compound growth works for you
With the full child benefit, about 40,800 € of the 96,735 € comes from growth. The earlier you start, the larger this share. Starting only at age 6 does not just lose six years of deposits, but above all the years in which the money works the longest.
Your own calculation
In the calculator a small note below the monthly amount shows what percentage of child benefit you invest. Try different amounts. The results are model calculations, not a guarantee.