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The Duesseldorf Table: how child support is calculated

The Duesseldorf Table is the most important guide for the amount of child support. It assigns a support amount to the net income of the paying parent and the age of the child. It is not a law but is applied by courts nationwide.

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The minimum support for minor children is governed by law and is shown in the Duesseldorf Table by income groups and age tiers (§ 1612a BGB). Half of the child benefit is deducted from the table amount (payment amount).
The paying parent retains a personal minimum (own need) that is not touched. If the income is not enough for the full support, the amount can drop accordingly (a case of shortfall).

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Determine net income

    Adjust the paying parent's net income by permissible deductions (e.g. work-related expenses, certain debts).

  2. 2

    2. Find the income group and age tier

    Assign the adjusted income to an income group and the child to an age tier (0-5, 6-11, 12-17, from 18).

  3. 3

    3. Deduct child benefit

    For minors, half the child benefit is deducted from the table amount, that yields the actual payment amount.

  4. 4

    4. Check the personal minimum

    Does the payer retain at least the personal minimum? If not, there is a case of shortfall and the support is adjusted.

How to spot the scam

  • The income is used without permissible deductions.
  • The child benefit is not credited or credited incorrectly.
  • The payer's personal minimum is ignored.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Duesseldorf Table?

A nationally recognized court guideline for calculating child support. It assigns a support amount to the payer's adjusted net income and the child's age. It is not a law, but it gives concrete form to the statutory minimum support.

Is the child benefit credited?

Yes. For minor children, half the child benefit is deducted from the table amount; what remains is the payment amount. For adult children, the full child benefit is credited.

What is the personal minimum?

The amount that must remain with the parent liable for support for their own living. If the income is not enough for the full support and the personal minimum, there is a case of shortfall and the support is reduced.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.