How is Elterngeld calculated?

Elterngeld is based on Elterngeld-Netto — a special net income calculated from gross minus flat-rate deductions (tax, social insurance). The replacement rate ranges from 65% to 100%, depending on income. Minimum: €300/month, maximum: €1,800/month (basic Elterngeld).

What's the difference between basic Elterngeld and ElterngeldPlus?

Basic Elterngeld pays up to €1,800/month for max. 14 months. ElterngeldPlus pays half (max. €900) for double the duration. ElterngeldPlus is especially worthwhile when working part-time during parental leave.

How many months of Elterngeld can I receive?

A total of 14 months of basic Elterngeld for both parents combined (max. 12 per person, min. 2 'partner months'). Single parents can claim all 14 months alone. With ElterngeldPlus, the duration doubles.

Is it worth switching tax classes before birth?

Yes, often! If the parent receiving Elterngeld switches to tax class III, the Elterngeld-Netto and thus the Elterngeld increases. The switch must happen at least 7 months before birth to be considered in the calculation.

Do I get Elterngeld if I work part-time?

Yes! You can work up to 32 hours/week and still receive Elterngeld. The benefit is then calculated based on the difference between pre-birth net income and part-time net income.

What is the minimum Elterngeld?

The minimum Elterngeld is €300/month (basic) or €150/month (ElterngeldPlus). It is paid even if you had no income before birth — e.g., students or homemakers.

What is the sibling bonus?

If you have a child under 3 or two children under 6, you receive a sibling bonus: +10% of Elterngeld, at least +€75 (basic) or +€37.50 (Plus) per month.

Can both parents receive Elterngeld simultaneously?

Yes, both parents can receive Elterngeld at the same time. However, simultaneous months are deducted from the total 14 months. The partnership bonus (4 extra months each) requires both to work 24-32 hours/week.

How does the 2025 income cap affect eligibility?

Since 2025: Couples with taxable income above €200,000 and single parents above €150,000 are no longer eligible for Elterngeld. Previously, the limit was €300,000 (couples) and €250,000 (single parents).

When do I need to apply for Elterngeld?

Elterngeld can only be applied for after birth, but is paid retroactively for up to 3 months before the application month. Tip: Apply as early as possible after birth, ideally within the first 3 months.

ElterngeldPlus vs. Basic: Which Pays More? | Parental Leave Calculator

Basic Elterngeld: The Classic Model

Basic Elterngeld is the original form of parental benefit. It replaces 65-100% of the Elterngeld-Netto and is paid for a maximum of 14 months (12 months for one parent + 2 partner months). The monthly amount ranges from €300 to €1,800.

Advantages of Basic Elterngeld

Higher monthly payment — up to €1,800 instead of a maximum of €900 with ElterngeldPlus. Simpler calculation since no part-time income offset is needed. Ideal for parents who want to completely pause work.

ElterngeldPlus: Double Duration, Half Amount

Since 2015, ElterngeldPlus has been available as an alternative. It pays a maximum of half the basic Elterngeld (max. €900/month) but for twice the duration. One month of basic Elterngeld = two months of ElterngeldPlus.

Advantages of ElterngeldPlus

Double benefit duration allows for longer financial security. When working part-time, ElterngeldPlus can even achieve the same monthly amount as basic Elterngeld (due to the capping rule). Partnership bonus possible (4 additional months per parent).

Calculation Example: When Does Each Pay Off?

Scenario 1: Complete Work Pause

Elterngeld-Netto: €2,500/month. Basic Elterngeld: €1,625/month × 12 months = €19,500 total. ElterngeldPlus: €812/month × 24 months = €19,500 total. Result: With a complete pause, the total is identical. Basic offers more per month, ElterngeldPlus offers longer coverage.

Scenario 2: Part-time from Month 7

Elterngeld-Netto: €2,500, Part-time net: €1,200. Basic (12 months): 6 months × €1,625 + 6 months × €845 = €14,820 total. Combination (6 basic + 12 plus): 6 months × €1,625 + 12 months × €650 = €17,550 total. Result: The combination yields €2,730 more, with 6 months longer benefit duration.

Our Recommendation

For full pause: Basic Elterngeld if higher monthly budget is more important. ElterngeldPlus if longer coverage is the priority. For part-time parents: Almost always ElterngeldPlus or the combination. Especially with the partnership bonus. For couples with two incomes: Combine basic Elterngeld (at the beginning) with ElterngeldPlus (during part-time phase) to maximize total amount.