Maternity and parental leave

During the last six weeks of pregnancy and the first eight weeks
after giving birth, mothers are not permitted to work (maternity
leave, Mutterschaftsurlaub). The law requires employers to con-
tinue payment during this period.

Furthermore, the mother or the father may choose to take up
to three years’ special leave to care for and raise the newborn
child (parental leave, Elternzeit). Parental leave may be taken until
the child reaches his or her eighth birthday subject to statutory
prerequisites to be met (e. G. Concerning the number of time
periods, their duration, their start and end date). During parental
leave, the contractual relationship between the employer and the
employee is suspended.