Basiselterngeld Explained: Amount & Duration (2026)

Basiselterngeld is the higher monthly form of Elterngeld. Without income after birth, the replacement rate ranges from 65% to 100% of the standardized Elterngeld-Netto, depending on income. If you are eligible, the amount is generally €300 to €1,800 before bonuses.

Here's the crucial rule: Basiselterngeld can only be received during your child's first 14 months of life. Life month 1 starts on the day of birth.

• This means:
• •Baby born January 15 → Life month 1 = Jan 15 - Feb 14
• •Basiselterngeld must end by baby's 14-month 'birthday'

After month 14, any unused Basiselterngeld months are lost. You can't save them for later.

Parents have twelve shared Basis months. Two partner months are added if one parent's income from work is reduced in two life months. One parent normally uses at most twelve months. A parent meeting the sole-claim rules in § 4c can use the additional months alone.

For births from April 2024, both parents can normally receive Basiselterngeld simultaneously in only one of the first twelve life months. The law contains exceptions, including certain premature births, multiple births and specified disability cases.

Basiselterngeld makes the most sense when:

• •You want to stay home full-time (or work very little) in the first year
• •You don't plan to work during your Elterngeld months
• •You want the highest monthly payment possible

If you're planning to work part-time, ElterngeldPlus might actually pay you more total, it's worth comparing. Our calculator shows both options side by side.