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.

Part-time During Parental Leave: How to Calculate | Parental Leave Calculator

Part-Time Work and Elterngeld: How the Calculation Works

If you work part-time during parental leave (max. 32 hrs/week), you remain eligible for Elterngeld. The calculation is based on the income difference: (Elterngeld-Netto before birth) minus (net from part-time) × replacement rate. This means: The less you earn part-time, the higher your Elterngeld.

The Capping Rule with ElterngeldPlus

With ElterngeldPlus, there's an important feature: ElterngeldPlus with part-time is capped at the amount you would receive without part-time income. This sounds complicated but can be advantageous: In many cases, you receive the same monthly ElterngeldPlus amount with or without part-time work — on top of your part-time salary.

Calculation Example

Elterngeld-Netto before birth: €2,200. ElterngeldPlus without part-time: €715/month. Part-time gross: €1,800, Part-time net: approx. €1,250. Income difference: €2,200 - €1,250 = €950. ElterngeldPlus on difference: €617. Cap applies: €715 (since higher than €617). Total with part-time: €1,250 (salary) + €715 (ElterngeldPlus) = €1,965/month. Without part-time it would only be €715/month.

When Is Part-Time Especially Worthwhile?

Generally: Part-time + ElterngeldPlus is almost always financially more attractive than full pause + ElterngeldPlus. The reason: The capping rule ensures that ElterngeldPlus doesn't decrease despite having part-time income. Part-time is especially worthwhile with: Medium incomes (€2,000-4,000 gross), ElterngeldPlus benefits, use of the partnership bonus.

The Partnership Bonus: The Part-Time Turbo

When both parents simultaneously work between 24 and 32 hours per week, they each receive 4 additional ElterngeldPlus months. With ElterngeldPlus of €715/month, that's €2,860 extra per parent — together €5,720 for the family.