Mutterschutz (Maternal Leave) in Germany [2024 Guide]

Germany’s healthcare system is top-notch so they offer the best clinical care to pregnant women that ensures that parents and their newborn babies receive the best service and care.

Maternity Leave

Pregnant women get maternity leave when they are due to give birth and enjoy maternity protection (Mutterschutz) during this time period. They are not allowed to work but receive maternity benefits (Mutterschaftsgeld).

Eligibility Criteria

All the pregnant and breastfeeding mothers can avail maternity leave while working in Germany or under a German contract irrespective of nationality or marital status. This does not apply to:

• Housewives
• Self-employed
• Civil servants – special rules depending on their employment level

Duration of Maternity Leave

The duration of maternity leave is six weeks before and eight weeks after childbirth. For multiple births or premature delivery, duration is 12 weeks which is extendable by days.

If a pregnant woman insists on working rather than availing leave, she can work during six weeks before birth. There is a strict rule not to work during eight weeks after birth.

Maternity Leave Allowances

Maternity Benefits

German health insurance offers a maternity allowance of 13 Euros per day. The maximum amount is 390 Euros which is calculated based on net salary. Taxes are removed from this and the employer is responsible to make up the difference for maternity allowance and previous salary.

Notification to Health Insurance

A pregnant woman must inform the health insurance company at least seven weeks before the expected delivery date. She must also submit a medical certificate. This is necessary to get the benefits in time.

Subsidy from Employer

If the net income (average of last three months) of an employee is exceeding 13 Euros, the employer manages it with a subsidy which is not for a mother utilizing parental leave.

Special Rights for Pregnant Women

The Maternity Protection of Germany is very favorable for both mothers and newborn. Here are some special rules for their complete protection;

Reduced Working Hours

• Working between 8pm and 10pm is not allowed. If a women want to work, she should express an agreement and the employer must get a permit from the respective authority.
• Working between 10pm and 6am is not allowed.
• Working on Sundays or holidays is not allowed. If a women want to work, she should express an agreement but they can only work with 11-hour gap between shifts with an alternative day of rest.
• Over time working is strictly banned.
• For those under 18, working more than 8 hours a day and 80 hours on a fortnightly basis are not allowed.
• For those over 18, working more than 8.5 hours a day and 90 hours on a fortnightly basis are not allowed.

Prohibitions of Certain Occupations

The pregnant woman should have a healthy and safe work environment so a few limitations are there.

• Lifting heavy objects of more than 5 kgs without any machine is not allowed.
• The use of extreme substances or elements dangerous for pregnancy is prohibited.
• Stretching, bending, or crouching related chores are not allowed.
• Working with instruments or machines that can cause feet stress is prohibited.
• Constant standing after 6th month of pregnancy is not allowed.

Protection for Nursing Mothers

Germany takes child’s development very serious due to which breastfeeding is also very important. Nursing mothers are allowed to breastfeed their newborn child even at work. The employer must provide them nursing break one hour a day or two breaks of 30 minutes each for breastfeeding till the child’s 1st birthday. If breastfeeding is not possible near office, a 90-minute break is allowed.

Illness During Pregnancy

If a pregnant woman cannot work during pregnancy, she can receive benefits linked with the normal salary. Due to sick leave, she can get benefits under the act of Continued Remuneration. The employer pays the initial 6-week illness after which, the health insurance company takes over. 

Benefits for Pregnant Student

Pregnant student who has taken student health insurance but not availed sickness benefit, can get maternity benefits.

Unemployed Pregnant Woman

An unemployed pregnant woman can get unemployment benefits paid by the health insurance company.

Pre or Postponed Due Date

If the baby is not born on a due date, maternity leave is never reduced. For premature and multi births, the unused days before delivery are added in time after birth and the leave is extendable to twelve weeks after birth.

Parental Leave Covered With Maternity Leave

For a second time pregnancy, if parental leave for the first baby is covered with maternity leave, salary replacement benefits of 13 Euros a day will be provided to the member of statutory health insurance and the employer is not bound to pay allowances.

Conclusion

Germany is very focued and develoed country in terms of health care to the pregnant females. They have amazing offers for the mother’s health and child’s development. These offers not only include monetary benefits but also include mental and physical relaxation by offering them reduced working hours, refraining from tough and stressful work, and giving them time to feed their new born during work.