Germany's generous parental allowance benefit makes it possible for new parents to take time off work. But the rules for freelancers can be complicated, writes journalist and new mother Imogen Goodman.
Many international residents have heard of Germany’s generous programs for new parents, but fewer realise they can transition to part-time work and extend their income support via 'Elterngeld Plus'.
Raising a child is expensive, but in Germany parents also get supportive benefits, as well as affordable childcare and health insurance. Here's a look at how much it really costs to raise a family here.
Thinking of starting a family in Germany? Looming reforms to 'Elterngeld' could mean less financial support, stricter eligibility and new rules for sharing parental leave. Here’s what you need to know.
From where to stay, what to do and how to travel, Berlin-based journalist and mom Rachel Stern lays out some tested tips on going on a family holiday in and around Germany.
Marrying a German national can entitle you to German citizenship in some cases - but you don't get it automatically. Here's what to know if you live abroad and want to become German through your spouse.
Germany is planning a major overhaul of the public health insurance system, with plans to restrict free spousal co-insurance and reduce other benefits. Here's a look at the increasing costs families will have to consider in future.
What does it mean for a country when the next generation starts looking elsewhere? A new study finds that around 40 percent of young people can imagine leaving Germany, in part to escape a life that feels stuck permanently in 'crisis mode'.
For anyone expecting a baby in Germany or wondering what support and services new parents are entitled to, here’s a straightforward guide to making the most of your statutory health insurance coverage.
In Berlin, around 30,000 Year Six pupils are preparing to move on to secondary school. For some, the stress is heightened by a new requirement to sit an entrance assessment for Germany’s academically focused grammar schools.
The most romantic day of the year or an out and out nightmare? We look at the stories which could explain why Germans don't typically embrace Valentine's Day – and why this trend might be changing among new generations.
Germany’s marriage rate has fallen to its lowest level since records began in 1950. Some commentators argue that one cause could be the country’s tax system – which can leave women facing a 20 percent drop in income when they tie the knot.
By the end of February, Saxony will become the latest German state to introduce a ban on smartphones in schools. Here are the current rules on phone use in school across the federal states, and a look at how well they're working.
Germany is known for having a substantial support system, especially for families with kids. So how much do parents tend to spend on childcare and how does it stack up against other countries in Europe?
Childcare costs in Germany depend on a patchwork of subsidies and exceptions, with some parents paying nothing for full-day care while others pay hundreds of euros per month. Here's what you can expect to pay depending on the state you live in.
The year 2025 saw a change at the top of the girls’ names list in Germany, while the number one boys’ name held firm. Lower down, the annual list shines a revealing light on key cultural influences and regional variations.
From an increase in child benefit payments and tax-free allowances to new rights around childcare and even the reintroduction of military service registration, 2026 is set to be a year with big changes affecting families living in Germany.
A decade from now one in four people living in Germany will be aged 67 or older, according to new figures. This dramatic demographic shift is set to place an unprecedented burden on the country’s working population.
Germany's Bundestag on Friday approved a landmark military service law as thousands of school students walked out of classrooms to protest against the return of compulsory assessments for 18-year-olds.
From maternity protection to family allowances, Germany’s welfare system for parents is generous but bureaucratic. Knowing and understanding the core terms in German can help you navigate it with less stress.
Two daycare centres in Berlin have closed due to falling demand. How is it that the city's 'Kitas' have 18,000 unfilled places for children when parents very recently had to fight for a spot for their kids?
Taking parental leave to bond with a newborn child is a wonderful experience, but if you're applying for German citizenship, you may be wondering if this break from work could impact your application. We look at the rules and offer some helpful tips.
