What costs should I expect?
Initial equipment: Even before the child is born, some purchases are necessary: a stroller, a collection of rompers, a cot and a changing table are definitely part of it. Maybe you can buy some of these secondhand or borrow from friends and save costs. You can read on our site what else belongs to the starter equipment.
Clothing: Especially at the beginning you will have to buy new clothes more often, because children grow faster than you think. However, with age their demands increase. Even if it does not necessarily have to be brands, boys and girls will soon know very precisely what they want to wear.
Food: If you breastfeed after the birth, there are initially no food costs. Later, however, a small additional eater will be at the table.
Toys: As your child gets older and more curious, activities are needed. A new cuddly toy or other toy will often move into the child's room. With age, desires grow: for a game console, their own mobile phone and other gadgets you will have to dig deeper into your pockets.
Hobbies: Swimming lessons, an instrument or another hobby: anyone who wants to offer their child something in their free time will unfortunately usually have to pay for it.
Hidden costs: The equipment and the surroundings – all well and good. However, there are also costs that are not automatically considered. For example, an extended insurance and additional costs for water and electricity. Also the reduction in salary if one partner looks after the child, or costs for care by daycare, kindergarten or a childminder are forgotten by many in their planning.
How much does a child cost? – The older, the more expensive
About 130.000 € up to the 18th birthday – but what exactly does that mean per month and do expenses change with the child's age? It cannot be determined precisely, because parents who earn more also spend on average more on their child. And if siblings are already present, the expenses per child per month decrease. The Federal Statistical Office estimates only the costs of consumer expenditures. Parental allowance, reduced salary and other opportunity costs such as a larger apartment, a new car or similar vary too much and are left out of the following figures. These assumptions refer to a family with one child:
Up to school entry:
For children up to six years old, parents pay around 520 € per month. That amounts to about 6.200 € per year until your child starts school.
From six to twelve years:
Now monthly costs for larger toys, stylish clothing and hobbies are added. School trips and excursions also need to be paid for. For children in this age group, parents must expect about 604 € per month. That amounts to 7.248 € per year.
From twelve years:
Until adulthood, the monthly costs rise again. A higher allowance, their own mobile phone and costs for education add up to about 700 € per month. In addition, not every child moves out on their 18th birthday and continues to live with their parents rent-free. Even after moving out, many parents continue to support their children during vocational training and university studies.
State benefits for parents
To support parents, there are various state benefits in Germany. It's best to check with the responsible authorities which payments are relevant for you. In principle, you are entitled to the following benefits:
Child benefit or child tax allowance: Child benefit is income-independent and is paid until the 18th birthday. Alternatively, there is the child tax allowance, which is not taxed in the income tax return. The tax office determines for you which amount is more appropriate.
Parental allowance: This support is paid to you after the birth of the child if you do not have it cared for in a state institution. The amount is based on the net salary you earned before the birth.
Maternity pay: As a female employee, you are entitled to your net salary during maternity leave.
