Family & BenefitsUpdated October 2026 · 8 min read

Parental Leave in Germany 2026 – Deadlines, Duration and Part-Time Work

Elternzeit is unpaid, job-protected parental leave for employees who care for their child. It is not the same as Elterngeld. This guide explains the deadlines, duration and part-time rules that apply in 2026.

Quick answer: Each parent can take up to 3 years per child. Notify your employer in text form at least 7 weeks before leave starts, or 13 weeks for leave after the child’s third birthday. Up to 32 hours a week on monthly average are allowed.

Elternzeit versus Elterngeld

Elternzeit is unpaid leave from your job with special dismissal protection. Elterngeld is a government payment that can replace part of lost income. They are separate: notify your employer about Elternzeit and apply to the Elterngeld office for the benefit.

Who is eligible?

Employees qualify if they live with the child, care for and raise the child themselves, and work no more than 32 hours per week on monthly average. This includes part-time jobs, minijobs, fixed-term contracts and probation. Self-employed people and people without an employment relationship do not have an employer from whom to take Elternzeit.

How long can parental leave last?

  • Up to 3 years per child for each parent.
  • Up to 24 months can be used between the third and eighth birthdays.
  • Each parent may split leave into three periods; more require employer consent.
  • Parents can take leave together or at different times.

How to notify your employer

  • 1
    Plan the dates

    State the start and end dates. For leave before age three, the first notice generally commits you for the following two years.

  • 2
    Meet the deadline

    At least 7 weeks before leave prior to age three; at least 13 weeks before leave between ages three and eight.

  • 3
    Use text form

    Identify the child and exact dates. Ask the employer for confirmation. You do not need to justify the leave.

  • 4
    Arrange part-time work separately

    State the weekly hours and preferred distribution, ideally with your leave notice.

Important: Elternzeit is a statutory entitlement, not a request for permission. Extending or ending it early may nevertheless require employer consent.

Part-time work during Elternzeit

For children born from 1 September 2021, you may work up to 32 hours per week on monthly average. An enforceable right to reduced hours has extra conditions, including over six months’ service, normally more than 15 employees, a planned period of at least two months at 15–32 hours, and no urgent operational reason against it.

Dismissal protection and health insurance

Special dismissal protection starts when you give notice, but no earlier than eight weeks before leave prior to age three or 14 weeks before later leave. Dismissal is possible only in exceptional cases. Health insurance generally continues in its previous form, but contributions depend on whether insurance is compulsory, voluntary or private and whether you earn other income. Ask your insurer before leave.

Checklist

  • Notice naming the child and exact start and end dates
  • Plan covering the first two years before the third birthday
  • Optional part-time request with hours and schedule
  • Keep the employer’s confirmation
  • Apply for Elterngeld separately

Frequently asked questions

Does the employer have to approve Elternzeit?

No. If the legal conditions and deadlines are met, it is an entitlement.

Do I receive salary?

No. Elternzeit itself is unpaid. Elterngeld or income from permitted part-time work may be available.

Can foreign employees take Elternzeit?

Yes. What generally matters is employment in Germany or under German law, not nationality.

Official sources