Germany’s maternity laws begin before the birth and ensure not only that mothers receive proper care, but also that their jobs will be there when they return and that they have some money in the bank while focusing on gestation. As soon as you become pregnant, you’re protected from losing your job and are allowed to take time off for doctor’s appointments. You’ll also be forced to stop working six weeks before the delivery date and won’t be allowed back at work until eight weeks, at the earliest, after you’ve given birth. If you give birth prematurely or to twins or triplets, you can’t work for 12 weeks. This period is known as Mutterschutz, or maternal protection. The laws also require employers to give you your job back at your old salary if you return within three years of giving birth.

During Mutterschutz, you will continue to receive the same amount of income as when you were working. To achieve this, Germany has established a complex system that only bureaucrats can appreciate. Your health insurance will contribute up to €13 of your income per day during this period, with your employer covering the rest of the amount, excluding taxes and payments to your health insurance. This is because any income during this period is exempt from taxes and health insurance fees. If you are due any raises or bonuses during this 14 week period, they will also be paid.

After the 14 weeks of Mutterschutz are up, your employer is no longer required to pay you any income. However, you or the baby’s father may choose to stay at home with the child and receive income from the government. This is known as Elternzeit, parenting time, and can last up to 14 months, although one parent is limited to just 12 months of Elternzeit, with the final two months reserved for the other parent. The government will reimburse whoever takes the time off up to 67% of their net monthly income up to €1,800 a month. Employers cannot fire parents for taking Elternzeit.