Basiselterngeld vs ElterngeldPlus vs Partnerschaftsbonus: Which Is Best?

This is the original form of Elterngeld. You get 65% of your previous net salary, between €300 and €1,800 per month.

The catch: You can only use it during your baby's first 14 months of life. After that, Basiselterngeld expires – even if you haven't used all your months.

Both parents share a maximum of 14 Basiselterngeld months together. One parent alone can take maximum 12 months.

Best for: Parents who want to stay home full-time in the first year.

ElterngeldPlus gives you half the monthly amount but for twice as long. One month of Basiselterngeld converts to two months of ElterngeldPlus.

Why take less per month? Two reasons:

1. You can receive ElterngeldPlus until your child turns 32 months – much longer than Basiselterngeld.

2. If you work part-time, you might actually get more total money with ElterngeldPlus (the math is complicated, but it often works in your favor).

Best for: Parents planning to work part-time while caring for their child.

This is extra ElterngeldPlus months as a reward for sharing childcare equally. If both parents work between 24-32 hours per week at the same time, you each get 2-4 additional months.

• The rules are strict:
• •Both parents must work 24-32 hours/week
• •You must do this for 2, 3, or 4 consecutive months
• •You take it at the same time

Single parents can also claim this bonus (only their own hours count).

Best for: Parents who both want to work part-time and share childcare equally.

Here's what many people don't realize: You're not locked into one type. You can combine them however works best for your family.

Example: Mom takes 6 months Basiselterngeld, then switches to 12 months ElterngeldPlus while working part-time, then both parents do 4 months of Partnerschaftsbonus together.

The only limit: Your total can't exceed 14 Basiselterngeld months worth (with Plus counting as half).