The Local Germany

How does the price of childcare in Germany compare to countries in Europe?

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 10:51:18 +0100

Germany is known for having a substantial support system, especially for families with kids. So how much do parents tend to spend on childcare and how does it stack up against other countries in Europe?

Berlin Kitas avert indefinite strike as Bundestag promises more cash

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 17:29:19 +0200

Berlin parents won't have to deal with childcare strikes that could last for weeks. Meanwhile, improvements are on the way for German kitas around the country - according to the federal government.

Poorer and non-German speaking families less likely to find a kita place

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 14:00:17 +0100

A recent study by the Federal Institute for Population Research (BiB) finds certain groups are still disadvantaged in the search for childcare spots in Germany—even though parents are supposed to be legally guaranteed one.

Germany's Kinderbonus payout begins today: What you need to know

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 16:04:42 +0200

What is Germany’s bonus child allowance payments (Kinderbonus), how much is it and who is entitled to it?

When and how will Germany's daycare centres reopen?

Wed, 06 May 2020 19:45:34 +0200

Daycare centres (or Kitas) around Germany have only offered emergency care during the corona crisis, but that's set to change soon.

How Germany plans to help working parents with guaranteed all-day care for children

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 13:36:58 +0100

Working parents often face difficulties in finding childcare for school-age children that lasts all day. But the German government has taken a huge step forward to tackle this.

How to receive money for private childcare in Berlin if you can't find a Kita spot

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 13:49:34 +0200

Throughout Germany there is a shortage of Kita, or childcare, spots. But a new Berlin programme is giving parents who can't secure a spot reimbursement for private care. Here's what you need to know.

Kitas: Why are parents suing for a childcare spot in Germany?

Wed, 21 Aug 2019 14:50:57 +0200

The shortage of Kita spots throughout Germany has led some parents to turn to private day care centres, or even take legal action.

Free for all? How Germany plans to tackle its childcare problem

Mon, 28 May 2018 13:49:16 +0200

Studies show that, not only do parents pay radically different prices for childcare across Germany, the poorest are also hit hardest. Will plans to completely cut charges solve the problem?

Minister calls for end to childcare strikes

Wed, 12 Aug 2015 10:48:00 +0200

Families Minister Manuela Schwesig called on Wednesday for local governments to find a pay and conditions deal with daycare and social workers to avoid a new round of strikes.

MP wants 24-hour care for late workers' kids

Mon, 08 Jun 2015 19:49:24 +0200

Berlin politicians are considering plans to keep kindergartens open for 24 hours in Berlin to help parents with unusual work hours.

Families find solace and help with seniors

Thu, 21 Aug 2014 10:00:00 +0200

When Verena Herz found out she was pregnant with twins, she had no idea what she was in for. Luckily, she was able to borrow a grandmother. The Local learns the advantages of welcoming a new grandparent into the family and why Omas and Opas say: "I tell everybody about it!"

German parents want more state support

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:09:00 +0200

German parents are unhappy with family support on offer from the government, according to a new study. Most said they wanted more day care places and help balancing work and caring for children.

'There is a huge demand for nannies in Munich'

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 08:39:00 +0200

Being a nanny or au pair can be a great way to experience German culture, but there can be pitfalls. Nicolette Kalbfell explores the ins and outs of working in Munich.

Report: Expensive family policies don't work

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 14:06:00 +0100

Germany’s family policies, with its billions of euros in support programmes, are largely ineffective and in some cases counterproductive, a study commissioned by the German government and reported by Spiegel on Sunday showed.

New grandparents 'to have time off work'

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:25:00 +0200

German grandparents could be legally entitled to time off work to help look after new grandchildren, initial details from a family ministry proposal suggest.

One in five German teens can't read well enough

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 17:13:00 +0200

As many as one in five young people leave school in Germany without basic literacy skills, according to a report commissioned by the government.

Coalition remains divided over childcare payments

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:14:00 +0200

German lawmaker Dorothee Bär plans to go back to work eight weeks after the birth of her third child at the end of the minimum maternity leave, as she did for her first two children.

Bad economy takes toll on children's pocket money

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:11:00 +0200

The global economic crisis is having a negative impact on German children, who have seen their allowances shrink this year, according to a new study published on Tuesday.

German mothers with full-time work most gratified

Wed, 27 May 2009 10:08:00 +0200

German mothers with young children who work full-time are happier than those who are employed part-time or stay at home, research released Tuesday indicated.