Calculate your parental allowance (Elterngeld) based on your previous net income. Compare Basiselterngeld and ElterngeldPlus.
Basis vs Plus Comparison
Full amount for up to 12+2 months: 1.625,00 €/mo
Half amount for up to 24+4 months: 812,50 €/mo
What is the difference between Basiselterngeld and ElterngeldPlus?
Basiselterngeld provides 65-67% of your previous net income (min EUR 300, max EUR 1,800) for up to 12 months per parent (14 with partner bonus). ElterngeldPlus pays half the monthly amount but for double the duration — ideal if you plan to work part-time during parental leave. Both can be combined.
How is the Elterngeld replacement rate calculated?
The standard rate is 67% of previous net income. For net income below EUR 1,000/month, the rate increases by 0.1 percentage points for every EUR 2 below EUR 1,000, up to 100%. For income above EUR 1,200/month, it decreases by 0.1 percentage points per EUR 2 above EUR 1,200, down to 65%. The minimum is always EUR 300/month, the maximum EUR 1,800/month.
What are the partner bonus months?
If both parents take at least 2 months of parental leave each, the total Elterngeld duration extends from 12 to 14 months. These 2 extra months are called partner months (Partnermonate). They encourage both parents to be involved in childcare. Single parents can claim all 14 months themselves.
Disclaimer: These calculations are estimates based on 2025 German tax rules and should not be considered professional tax advice. Consult a Steuerberater for your specific situation.
How much you receive, how long it lasts, and the difference between Basiselterngeld and ElterngeldPlus
How much Elterngeld do you receive?
Elterngeld replaces 65% to 67% of your previous net income, up to a maximum of €1,800 per month. The minimum is €300 per month, even if you had no income before. If you earned €3,000 net per month, you would receive about €1,950 to €2,010 in Elterngeld. Lower earners (below €1,240 net) get a higher percentage, up to 100%.
What is the difference between Basiselterngeld and ElterngeldPlus?
Basiselterngeld pays the full amount for up to 14 months total between both parents. ElterngeldPlus pays half the amount but for twice as long (up to 28 months). ElterngeldPlus is ideal if you want to work part-time while caring for your child. One month of Basiselterngeld can be converted into two months of ElterngeldPlus.
How do both parents share Elterngeld?
One parent can receive Basiselterngeld for up to 12 months. If the other parent also takes at least 2 months, the total extends to 14 months. The Partnerschaftsbonus gives 4 extra months of ElterngeldPlus if both parents work part-time (24 to 32 hours per week) at the same time. Parents can take months simultaneously or one after the other.
Can you work part-time while receiving Elterngeld?
Yes, you can work up to 32 hours per week while receiving Elterngeld. Your part-time earnings reduce the Elterngeld — it is recalculated based on the difference between your previous and current income. If you earned €3,000 net before and now earn €1,500 part-time, Elterngeld covers 65% of the €1,500 difference = €975 per month.
Is Elterngeld taxable?
Elterngeld itself is tax-free, but like ALG I, it is subject to the Progressionsvorbehalt. It increases the tax rate on your other income. If you receive €15,000 in Elterngeld and earn €20,000 from part-time work, your tax rate on the €20,000 is calculated as if you earned €35,000. This can lead to a tax bill when you file your annual return.
What income limits apply from 2025?
From April 2025, couples with a combined taxable income above €175,000 per year (or €150,000 for single parents) are no longer eligible for Elterngeld. This is a significant reduction from the previous limit of €300,000 for couples. If both partners earn €90,000, they exceed the threshold and receive no Elterngeld at all.
Bundesfinanzministerium-Aligned: Based on 2025 Bundesfinanzministerium rates and thresholds. For personal advice, speak to a qualified Steuerberater (tax adviser).
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current German tax rates and thresholds for the 2025 tax year. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified tax adviser before making financial decisions. Read our terms
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