Elternzeit vs Elterngeld: What's the Difference?

Elterngeld Helper·Updated January 2025

Key takeaways

•Elternzeit = job-protected leave (up to 3 years)
•Elterngeld = money you receive (usually 12-14 months)
•You can have Elternzeit without Elterngeld, and vice versa

Next steps

•Learn about Elterngeld types — Types
•Plan your leave — Planner

Elternzeit: Job protection

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: The 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.

They often overlap, but don't have to

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.

Different time limits

Elternzeit: Up to 3 years per child. You can even take some of it after your child's 3rd birthday (up to 24 months can be transferred to age 3-8).

Basiselterngeld: Only during baby's first 14 months. ElterngeldPlus: Until baby's 32nd month.

Many parents take Elternzeit longer than they receive Elterngeld. The third year of Elternzeit is typically unpaid.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between Elterngeld and Elternzeit?

Elterngeld is a cash benefit (income replacement). Elternzeit is unpaid leave from work with a right to return. You can take Elternzeit for up to 3 years, but Elterngeld is only available for max. 14 months (basic) or 28 months (Plus). You can receive Elterngeld without Elternzeit (with part-time ≤32h) or take Elternzeit without Elterngeld.

How long can I take Elternzeit?

Each parent can take up to 3 years of Elternzeit – independent of the other parent. Elternzeit can be split into up to 3 periods. At least 12 months must be taken before the child's 3rd birthday, up to 24 months can be transferred to the period between the 3rd and 8th birthday.

When do I need to register Elternzeit?

Elternzeit before 3rd birthday: register with employer in writing at least 7 weeks before start. Elternzeit between 3rd and 8th birthday: at least 13 weeks before. For mothers on maternity leave: 7 weeks after birth. When registering, you must commit to the first 2 years.

Do I have protection against dismissal during Elternzeit?

Yes, there is special protection against dismissal during Elternzeit. It starts at the earliest 8 weeks before Elternzeit begins (before 3rd birthday) or 14 weeks (after 3rd birthday). Dismissal by the employer is only possible in special exceptional cases with approval from the authorities.

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