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Parental leave calculator (Elternzeit)

Tell us who takes parental leave, from when and for how long. You see by when your employer must have your notice and when protection against dismissal starts.

Step 1 of 3

If your baby is already here, use the date of birth.

Parental leave in short

During parental leave (Elternzeit) your job is paused, without pay, up to the child’s 3rd birthday. Up to 24 months of it can also be taken between the 3rd and the 8th birthday. Each parent has the right, also at the same time. Money during this time comes from Elterngeld, which you apply for separately.

Notice

Up to the 3rd birthday you notify parental leave at least 7 weeks before it starts, after that 13 weeks. Text form is enough, so an email. For the first two years you commit to your periods. If parental leave starts at the birth, the due date counts.

Dismissal protection and holidays

From your notice the employer may not dismiss you, but at the earliest 8 weeks before the start (14 weeks after the 3rd birthday), and not during the whole parental leave. Your holidays may be cut by one twelfth for each full calendar month of parental leave, not if you work part-time for the same employer.

Common questions

When do I have to notify parental leave?

For the time up to the 3rd birthday at least 7 weeks before it starts, for the time after that 13 weeks. If it starts at the birth, count back from the due date.

How long can I take parental leave?

Up to the child’s 3rd birthday, and up to 24 months of it also later, up to the 8th birthday. Each parent for themselves.

Can I work during parental leave?

Yes, up to 32 hours a week on average over the month. For another employer or self-employed work you need your employer’s consent.

When does protection against dismissal start?

From your notice, but at the earliest 8 weeks before parental leave starts (14 weeks after the 3rd birthday), and then during the whole parental leave.

Is parental leave the same as Elterngeld?

No. You notify parental leave (Elternzeit) to your employer and apply for Elterngeld at the Elterngeld office. They can run together, but do not have to.

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