The things I wish I'd known about 'Elterngeld' as a freelancer in Germany

Imogen Goodman - news@thelocal.de

Updated: Fri 5 Jun 2026 12:09 CET

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A mother takes her newborn baby's hand. AFP PHOTO PHILIPPE HUGUEN (Photo by PHILIPPE HUGUEN / AFP)

Germany's generous parental allowance benefit makes it possible for new parents to take time off work. But the rules for freelancers can be complicated, writes journalist and new mother Imogen Goodman.

The things I wish I'd known about 'Elterngeld' as a freelancer in Germany

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