Elternzeit vs Elterngeld: What's the Difference?

Elternzeit (parental leave) is your legal right to take time off work to care for your child. During this time:

• •Your employer cannot fire you
• •Your job is protected
• •You can take up to 3 years total (per child)
• •You can request part-time work during this period

Elternzeit is about your job contract, not about money.

Elterngeld (parental allowance) is the money you receive while caring for your child. It:

• •Replaces part of your income
• •Is paid for 12-14 months (Basiselterngeld) or longer with ElterngeldPlus
• •Comes from the state, not your employer
• •Requires you to work 32 hours or less per week

Elterngeld is about financial support, not job protection.

Most parents take Elternzeit and receive Elterngeld at the same time. But they're independent:

Elternzeit without Elterngeld: You take unpaid leave in year 2 or 3 when Elterngeld has run out.

Elterngeld without Elternzeit: Self-employed parents can receive Elterngeld without having 'leave' from anywhere. Or employees who work part-time can get Elterngeld without fully stopping work.

Elternzeit can generally last up to three years; up to 24 months can lie between the child's third and eighth birthdays. The notification period is normally seven weeks before a period beginning before age three and 13 weeks for a period between ages three and eight.

Basiselterngeld is generally available through life month 14; Plus can extend to life month 32 under the continuity rule.