Parental leave (Elternzeit) gives parents in Germany a statutory right to up to three years of unpaid leave per child, during which the employment relationship is suspended. It can be taken by the mother, the father or both, with up to 24 months flexibly transferrable to the period between the child's third and eighth birthday. Special dismissal protection applies during parental leave.
Financially, it is usually combined with parental allowance (Elterngeld) – basic Elterngeld for 12 to 14 months, Elterngeld Plus extending up to 28 months. Part-time work of up to 32 hours per week is possible during parental leave, with a right to reduce hours at the existing employer in companies with more than 15 employees.
After parental leave ends, employees have the right to return to their previous role or to a comparable position. In practice, longer leaves often shift the role – an open conversation with management and a clear return plan help considerably.
Lunigi flags family-friendly conditions in the email digest – part-time options, remote work and collectively agreed conditions.