Elterngeld for fathers

Fathers get Elterngeld just like mothers, for at least 2 months of life. Because one parent can take at most 12 months, you only get the 14 months together if the second parent takes at least 2. Check here whether your plan works.

How many months?

Anyone who takes Elterngeld takes it for at least 2 months of life. One parent can take at most 12 months of Basic Elterngeld. The 2 partner months (Partnermonate) turn 12 months together into 14 if one of you earns less or nothing in two months; maternity pay instead of salary counts.

At the same time as the mother

Both of you can take Basic Elterngeld at the same time in only one of the first 12 months of life. ElterngeldPlus can be taken at the same time without a limit, also next to Basic. With twins, after a premature birth and for a child with a disability the limit does not apply.

Parental leave with the employer

The father applies for Elterngeld at the Elterngeldstelle and notifies his employer of parental leave (Elternzeit): up to the 3rd birthday at least 7 weeks before it starts, in text form. From the notice, at the earliest 8 weeks before the start, he is protected against dismissal. More in the parental leave calculator.

Paternity leave

Germany has no separate paid paternity leave right after the birth so far (as of October 2026). The planned Familienstartzeit is not law. Fathers take parental leave and Elterngeld; some employers give special leave.

Common questions

How long can fathers get Elterngeld?

At least 2 and at most 12 months of Basic Elterngeld, or twice as many months of ElterngeldPlus. Plus up to 4 months of partnership bonus if both of you work 24 to 32 hours at the same time.

Can the father take only 1 month of Elterngeld?

No. Each parent gets Elterngeld only for at least 2 months of life.

Can father and mother get Elterngeld at the same time?

Yes. ElterngeldPlus without a limit, Basic Elterngeld at the same time only in one of the first 12 months of life. With twins and after a premature birth this limit does not apply.

Can the father take Elterngeld during maternity leave?

Yes. Maternity leave counts as the mother’s Basic months. The father’s Basic Elterngeld can then overlap in one of those months only, ElterngeldPlus in all of them.

How much Elterngeld does the father get?

65 to 100% of his Elterngeld net income, at least €300 and at most €1,800 Basic Elterngeld a month. The Elterngeld calculator works out the amount.

Is there paternity leave in Germany?

Not as a separate paid right so far (as of October 2026). Fathers take parental leave with their employer and Elterngeld.