Fatherhood Resources: Germany
Official Elterngeld and Elternzeit guidance, and verified support for fathers in Germany — including resources in English for international dads.
Up to 14 months
Elterngeld (Parental Allowance)
2 "partner months" reserved for father
Up to 3 years
Elternzeit (Parental Leave)
Job-protected, per child
65% of net income
Elterngeld Amount
Min €300, max €1,800/month
Verified Resources for Dads in Germany
BMFSFJ: Elterngeld (Parental Allowance)
GovernmentGermanyOfficial Federal Ministry for Family Affairs guide to Elterngeld. Parents receive 65% of their net income (minimum €300, maximum €1,800/month) for up to 14 months, with 2 "partner months" reserved for the father.
BMFSFJ: Elternzeit (Parental Leave)
GovernmentGermanyOfficial guide to Elternzeit: both parents have the legal right to take up to 3 years of job-protected parental leave per child, under the Bundeselterngeld- und Elternzeitgesetz (BEEG).
Familienportal.de
GovernmentGermanyOfficial German government family portal. Comprehensive information on all family benefits including Elterngeld, Kindergeld (child benefit), Elternzeit, and childcare subsidies.
Elterngeld Digital (Online Application)
GovernmentGermanyOfficial online portal to apply for Elterngeld digitally. Available in German with guidance for navigating the application process.
Berlin.de: Parental Allowance & Leave (English)
GovernmentBerlin / GermanyEnglish-language guide to Elterngeld and Elternzeit from the Berlin Senate Department for Youth and Family. Useful for international fathers living in Germany.
Deutsche Depressionshilfe
Mental HealthGermanyGerman Foundation for Depression Aid. Resources on depression and mental health for fathers and families, including a helpline: 0800 33 44 533 (free, Mon/Tue/Thu 13:00-17:00, Wed/Fri 08:30-12:30).
Väter gGmbH
OrganisationGermanyGerman nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting fathers. Counselling, workshops, and resources for dads navigating fatherhood, work-life balance, and family transitions.
Key facts for fathers in Germany
- •Germany's Elterngeld system pays 65% of pre-leave net income (between €300 and €1,800/month) for up to 14 months. If both parents take leave, the total extends to 14 months; if only one parent takes it, the maximum is 12 months.
- •Two "Partnermonate" (partner months) are reserved exclusively for the father. If the father does not take them, they are forfeited — they cannot be transferred to the mother.
- •ElterngeldPlus allows parents to extend the payment period by taking part-time work. Fathers can receive payments for up to 28 months under this option.
- •Elternzeit (parental leave) is separate from Elterngeld. It provides up to 3 years of job-protected leave per child, which can be taken any time until the child's 8th birthday.
- •Applications for Elterngeld must be submitted to your local Elterngeldstelle (parental allowance office). The Familienportal.de website helps you find your local office.