With lots of tax benefits for married couples, generous parental allowances and a good school system on offer, it's no surprise that so many expats choose to raise their families in Germany. Whether you came with your family or you’re thinking of starting one here, there’s plenty of things you need to know about family life in Germany.
Getting married in Germany
Did you know that only registry offices are able to perform legally-binding marriages in Germany? It is therefore fairly common to have two wedding ceremonies: one legal and one religious. If you’re thinking of tying the knot in Germany, there’s plenty of paperwork you need to sort out first. Find out more about marriage and partnerships in Germany.
Note that registered partnerships were phased out in Germany in 2017, and getting married is now the only way to have a legally recognised partnership in the federal republic.
Weddings in Germany
If you're not sure how weddings are done in Germany, or are looking for tips on planning your own German wedding, our guide walks you through the format of the day, including some fun German wedding traditions that you might want to incorporate into your own special day.
Divorce & Separation
Permanently separating from your spouse is a fairly simple process in Germany, as long as both partners consent. You can usually file for divorce after one year of separation. If both parties agree, you can both be represented by one lawyer at the Family Court. Read more about divorce and separation in Germany.
Pregnancy and prenatal care in Germany
Expecting a baby? Congratulations! You’ll be glad to hear that the standard of care for expectant mothers is very high in Germany. Find out how the German system works during your pregnancy, including information on where to find a midwife, how to choose a hospital, prenatal classes and parental leave.
Giving birth in Germany
As the end of your pregnancy nears, it's a good idea to know what to expect and prepare for giving birth in Germany. Read our guide to your options when it comes to giving birth in Germany, postnatal care, baby vaccinations, ending your maternity leave, and more.
Registering a birth and getting a birth certificate in Germany
Soon after your little bundle of joy arrives in the world, you will need to register them at the local Standesamt (registry office) so that they can be entered into the official register. Registering a birth doesn’t necessarily need to be done by the parents, but it needs to take place within a week of childbirth.
Once you’ve registered your new baby, you will automatically receive a birth certificate for them. These pieces of paperwork are incredibly important in Germany, so make sure to keep it somewhere safe. If for any reason it goes missing, however, it is relatively easy to replace.
German parental leave
German law provides plenty of benefits and protection for new parents in Germany. Apart from allowances such as maternity benefit and parental allowance, mothers and fathers in Germany are also entitled to parental leave for up to three years after the birth of a child.
Childcare in Germany (Kita)
If you're coming to Germany with kids, or you're expecting a new baby, you'll probably need to start thinking about early childhood education and childcare for your child. Kita (short for Kindertagesstätte) is a collective term used to describe all kinds of childcare in Germany, including nurseries, preschools and after-school care. Learn about the different options available to you.
Child sickness benefit
Parents shouldn't lose out financially if they have to take time off work when their kids fall ill. All parents in Germany are legally entitled to take time off work to take care of their sick child at home. If your employer doesn't continue paying your wages, your statutory health insurance company will pay out a child sickness benefit.