Germany scores well on family friendliness in the workplace. Statutory maternity and parental leave rights provide for a rather complex structure of maternity leave (Mutterschutz), parental leave (Elternzeit), parental benefits (Elterngeld) and other rights. This Q&A two-page document gives an overview of the most important family friendly rights in Germany.

What are the rights for pregnant women and women who have recently given birth?

The German Maternity Protection Act (Mutterschutzgesetz) serves to protect the health of pregnant women and women who have recently given birth as well as the health of their (unborn) children. Pregnant women in Germany are entitled to maternity leave of six weeks before and eight weeks after childbirth. In cases of multiple or premature births or the birth of a disabled child, the eight-week period is extended to twelve weeks. Maternity leave before childbirth does not apply if the pregnant employee has explicitly expressed that she does not want to use the leave.