Taking parental leave: entitlement, deadline and dismissal protection
You want to be there for your child after the birth and take parental leave? You have a statutory entitlement to this, regardless of whether the employer agrees. The key is the correct registration and the deadlines.
Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:
Register parental leave →Your chances of getting your money back
What you should do now
- 1
1. Plan the period
Decide when and for how long you want to take parental leave (and whether you want to work part-time).
- 2
2. Register in good time
Register the parental leave with the employer in writing, at the latest 7 weeks before the start and bindingly for the first two years.
- 3
3. Use dismissal protection
From registration (at the earliest 8 weeks before the start) and during parental leave, you are specially protected against dismissal.
- 4
4. Do not forget parental allowance
In parallel, check the application for parental allowance (Elterngeld) at the parental-allowance office.
Frequently asked questions
Can the employer refuse parental leave?
No. Parental leave is a statutory entitlement (§ 15 BEEG); you only have to register it in time and in writing, not apply for it. There may be a need to coordinate the timing of part-time work during parental leave, but the employer cannot refuse the parental leave itself.
When must I register the parental leave?
As a rule at the latest seven weeks before the start, in writing, with a binding commitment for the first two years. For periods between the child's third and eighth birthday, a deadline of 13 weeks applies.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
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.