Elternzeit in Germany: Can Both Parents Take Parental Leave Together?

Imagine welcoming your newborn into the world, both you and your partner eager to bond as a family without the immediate pressure of work. But can you both step away from your jobs at the same time? In Germany, yes, both parents can take Elternzeit together, offering flexibility to share those precious early months—or even years—with your child. This right, enshrined in law, empowers families to balance career and parenting on their own terms.

With 2026 bringing tweaks to Elterngeld rules and continued emphasis on shared parenting, understanding your options is crucial. Whether you're planning ahead or navigating mid-career parenthood, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about simultaneous Elternzeit, from legal basics to practical tips tailored for German families.

What is Elternzeit and Who Qualifies?

Elternzeit, or parental leave, allows eligible parents to pause or reduce their work to care for their child. Under the Bundeselterngeld- und Elternzeitgesetz (BEEG), each parent has an individual entitlement to up to **three years of Elternzeit per child**, starting from birth and ending no later than the day before the child's eighth birthday.

Key qualifications include:

• You're employed (permanent or fixed-term contracts qualify, with few exceptions).
• Your employer has more than 15 employees (trainees excluded) for part-time work during leave.
• You've been with your employer for at least six continuous months if planning part-time.
• You live in the same household as the child and are responsible for its care and upbringing.

Crucially, your right to Elternzeit is independent of your partner's plans—meaning both can take it without affecting each other's entitlement.

Flexibility in Dividing Your Elternzeit

You can split your three years into up to **three periods** per parent. With employer consent, more divisions are possible. Up to two-thirds (24 months) can extend from the child's third birthday to their eighth, though employers may object to the final segment for urgent business reasons.

Before the child's third birthday falls a "binding period" (Bindungszeitraum): If taking leave then, you must specify periods covering the next two years upfront. Changes need employer approval. For mothers following Mutterschutz, this shortens to before the second birthday.

Can Both Parents Take Elternzeit Together? Yes—Here's How

Both parents can absolutely take Elternzeit simultaneously, whether overlapping fully, partially, or at different times. Section 15 BEEG explicitly permits this, regardless of identical or differing periods.

During joint leave:

• Both can work part-time up to **32 hours per week** each, totalling 64 hours combined.
• No impact on each other's leave duration—each retains their full three years.
• Ideal for bonding as a family, especially in the first year when shared care strengthens relationships.

2026 Updates: What Changes for Simultaneous Leave?

While Elternzeit rules remain stable, Elterngeld (parental allowance) tightens for 2026. Both parents can claim Basiselterngeld together for just one month in the child's first 12 months—down from more flexible options pre-2025. This pushes families towards staggered or part-time models.

Income thresholds also apply: For births from 1 April 2025, no Elterngeld if combined taxable income exceeds **€175,000**. Total Basiselterngeld spans 14 months if shared (2-12 per parent), claimable only in the first 14 months.

Elterngeld and Bonuses: Maximising Financial Support

Elternzeit is unpaid by employers, but Elterngeld bridges the gap. Basiselterngeld replaces 65-67% of net income (capped at €1,800/month), while ElterngeldPlus offers lower monthly amounts for longer periods.

Partnerschaftsbonus: Extra Months for Shared Work

The Partnerschaftsbonus rewards teamwork: Gain **2-4 extra months** of ElterngeldPlus if both parents work **24-32 hours/week** on average in a month. Perfect for simultaneous part-time Elternzeit, it pays €150-€900 per parent monthly.

"Bleibt ein Partner während des ersten Lebensjahres des Kindes mindestens zwei Monate gemeinsam mit dem anderen Partner daheim, kann der Elterngeldbezug auf insgesamt 14 Monate erhöht werden."

How to Apply for Simultaneous Elternzeit: Step-by-Step

Planning joint leave? Follow these steps for smooth approval:

1. Notify in writing: Submit to each employer at least **seven weeks** before start (three months for post-third birthday).
2. Specify details: Exact dates, periods, and part-time hours if applicable. Use the official form from Familienportal.de.
3. Coordinate with partner: Align for bonuses but note independent applications.
4. Apply for Elterngeld: Separately via your local Elterngeldstelle, ideally before birth.
5. Discuss with employer: Early talks prevent surprises; they can't deny but may negotiate dates.

Tip: For employers with 15+ staff, part-time (15-32 hours) during leave is your right if employed 6+ months.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

• Betriebliche Gründe: Employers can object to post-3rd birthday segments if urgent needs arise—document everything.
• Teilzeit limits: Stick to 32 hours max to preserve leave status.
• Elterngeld overlap: Limit Basis to one month; switch to Plus for longer joint claims.

Real-Life Examples: German Families Making It Work

Take Anna and Max from Berlin: Anna took Mutterschutz then three months full Elternzeit. Max joined for two overlapping months in part-time (25 hours), claiming the one-month Basis joint allowance before staggering. They activated Partnerschaftsbonus via 28-hour weeks, adding three months ElterngeldPlus.

In Munich, single-income families often use full simultaneous leave post-first year, relying on savings and Teilzeit to ease back. Väter increasingly take 2-3 months early, boosting gender equality—over 40% now participate.

Practical Tips for Success in 2026

• Plan finances: Use Elterngeldrechner on familienportal.de to simulate payouts.
• Communicate early: Share plans with HR; many firms offer "Daddymonths" incentives.
• Leverage resources: Contact Arbeitsagentur or Krankenkasse for advice; check make-it-in-germany.com for expat parents.
• Track rights: No dismissal protection breach—challenge via Arbeitsgericht if needed.
• Combine with Urlaub: Stack holiday before/after for extended breaks.