Content and Objectives

The introduction of parental leave (Elterngeld) in 2007 is linked to a fundamental paradigm shift in Germany’s family policies. It is aligned to the Scandinavian models – in particular the Finnish – and pursues the aims of making career and childcare better compatible for young families and to distribute the burdens more fairly among the two partners. This is achieved, among other measures, by providing two partner months in parental leave as well as with an income-related scale of parental allowances.

The project analyses the Federal Law on Parental Benefits and Parental Leave that came into force in Germany in 2007. It analyses both its aims and political evolution and the various effects, for example with respect to age-specific birth rates, on income and on the employment of both parents. Complex aspects of the effects on different societal groups are examined including with regard to educational levels, age and differentiated between Eastern and Western Germany.