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- Maternity leave in Germany
Maternity leave in Germany.
Mutterschutz, then Elternzeit.
Mutterschutz usually starts six weeks before the expected birth and lasts eight weeks after. Longer protection applies in some cases. Each parent can also take Elternzeit.
The rules below are quoted from the statutes, with a planner for the first day of Mutterschutz.
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When does Mutterschutz start
The due date gives the first day.
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The rules, from the statute
The legal minimum. A collective agreement can add to it.
| The rule | Germany | In more detail |
|---|---|---|
| Maternity leave | Usually 6 weeks before birth and 8 after | After birth, protection can last 12 weeks for premature or multiple births, or on request for a child with a disability. An early birth can extend it. |
| When it can start | 6 weeks before the expected birth | She may choose to keep working in those weeks. |
| Partner leave | Up to 3 years of Elternzeit per parent | Parents may take it together. Up to 24 months can fall between the third and eighth birthdays. |
| Notice to resign | 4 weeks, to the 15th or the end of a month | Usual statutory employee notice. Probation and collective agreements can differ. |
| Paid holiday a year | 20 days on a 5 day week | The law says 24 working days, counting Saturday, which is 20 for a five day week. |
Maternity leave: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/muschg_2018/__3.html, read 2026-10-07
When it can start: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/muschg_2018/__3.html, read 2026-10-07
Partner leave: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/beeg/__15.html, read 2026-10-07
Notice to resign: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__622.html, read 2026-10-07
Paid holiday a year: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/burlg/__3.html, read 2026-10-07
Mutterschutz is not quite a ban
In the six weeks before the birth her employer may not have her work. She can still choose to, and she can change her mind at any time.
The usual protection after birth lasts eight weeks, rising to twelve for premature or multiple births, or on request for a diagnosed disability. An early birth can add time.
Elternzeit is separate. Either parent can take it, alone or together. Part of the leave can fall after the third birthday, subject to the statutory rules.
What it means for the team
Her last day is usually the working day before Mutterschutz begins, six weeks before the due date.
With Elternzeit after it, she may be gone for a year or more. That makes the goodbye bigger than a holiday, and worth doing properly.
One card from the team, on the last day
Set it up the week before, so nobody is chasing signatures on the day.
- 01
Add their last day.
The card opens on it and not before, so it is a surprise.
- 02
Send the link round.
The team, the floor, anybody they worked with. Each person writes their own note.
- 03
They keep it.
Every note stays with them while they are away, and after.
Pick a design
Questions
How long is maternity leave in Germany?
Usually six weeks before the expected birth and eight after. The period after birth can be longer. Elternzeit is a separate entitlement.
When does Mutterschutz start?
Six weeks before the expected birth. She can choose to keep working in those weeks.
Can fathers take leave in Germany?
Yes. Each parent can take Elternzeit, alone or together. The entitlement and its timing are set out in section 15 of the BEEG.
How much notice does an employee give in Germany?
The usual statutory notice is four weeks to the 15th or the end of a month. Probation and collective agreements can differ.
Somebody has a day coming up.
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