Elterngeld Calculator

How accurate is this Elterngeld calculator?

It gives a close estimate, not a binding figure. The result depends on the official progressive German tax tables and on personal factors such as your tax class (Steuerklasse), church membership, and any one-off payments, which a quick tool cannot reproduce exactly. Use it to plan and compare scenarios, then confirm the legally binding amount with the official familienportal.de Elterngeldrechner and your local Elterngeldstelle.

What is Elterngeld-Netto and why isn't it my normal net salary?

Elterngeld-Netto is a standardized net income invented purely for calculating Elterngeld — it is not the net amount on your payslip. The authorities start from your gross income, then subtract a flat work-expense allowance of €102.50 per month (€1,230 per year), a standardized income tax, and social-insurance lump sums of up to 21% (9% health and care, 10% pension, 2% unemployment). Because these are fixed lump sums rather than your real deductions, your Elterngeld-Netto usually differs from your actual take-home pay.

How much Elterngeld will I get?

Elterngeld replaces a percentage of your average monthly Elterngeld-Netto from the 12 months before birth. If that net is €1,240 or more you receive 65%; between €1,000 and €1,200 you receive 67%; between €1,200 and €1,240 the rate slides gradually from 67% down to 65%; and below €1,000 it rises above 67%, up to a maximum of 100%. Basiselterngeld is capped at a minimum of €300 and a maximum of €1,800 per month.

What's the difference between Basiselterngeld and ElterngeldPlus?

Basiselterngeld pays the full monthly amount (€300 to €1,800) and is designed for parents who take a clear break from work. ElterngeldPlus pays half the amount (€150 to €900) but for twice as many months, which suits parents who work part-time, since one Basiselterngeld month equals two ElterngeldPlus months. You can also combine the two and add the Partnerschaftsbonus — 2 to 4 extra ElterngeldPlus months each — if both parents work 24 to 32 hours per week at the same time.

Can I get Elterngeld as a non-EU citizen or foreigner?

Yes, eligibility depends on your residence status rather than your nationality. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens living in Germany qualify through freedom of movement with no special permit. Non-EU citizens qualify if they hold a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) that allows work in Germany — such as a Niederlassungserlaubnis, an EU Blue Card, or an Aufenthaltserlaubnis with work permission; tourist visas and some student visas do not qualify. If you are unsure, check with your local Elterngeldstelle.

How does the sibling bonus (Geschwisterbonus) work?

The Geschwisterbonus adds 10% to your Elterngeld — at least €75 per month for Basiselterngeld, or €37.50 for ElterngeldPlus. You qualify if you have one other child under the age of 3, two other children under 6, or a child with a disability under 14. The bonus is paid on top of your regular monthly amount for as long as you meet the condition.

Is there an income limit for Elterngeld?

Yes. For births from April 2025 onward, parents whose taxable income (zu versteuerndes Einkommen) exceeds €175,000 receive no Elterngeld at all. This limit applies to the couple's combined taxable income, or to the income of a single parent. Note that this is taxable income, not gross salary, so it is typically lower than what you earn on paper after allowances and deductions.

Does Mutterschaftsgeld reduce my Elterngeld?

Yes. Maternity benefit (Mutterschaftsgeld) and any employer top-up are offset against Elterngeld in the months they cover, which is usually the first one to two months after birth. In practice this often reduces the birthing parent's Elterngeld to €0 during those months. Elterngeld then typically begins paying out once the Mutterschaftsgeld period ends.