Child Benefit Calculator 2026 €259 per child in Germany.

Germany's child benefit (Kindergeld) is €259 per child per month in 2026 (Section 66 (1) of the Income Tax Act). There is no tiering by number of children: whether it is your first, second or fourth child – the rate is the same for every child. Compared with 2025 (€255), the benefit rose by €4 per child per month, i.e. €48 per child per year.

For a family with two children that adds up to €518 per month and €6,216 per year. Child benefit is paid out monthly by the Familienkasse (family benefits office) of the Federal Employment Agency and is tax-free – technically an advance on the tax exemption of the child subsistence minimum.

Child benefit and the child tax allowance (Kinderfreibetrag) are two routes to the same goal: exempting your child’s subsistence minimum from tax. The child tax allowance is €9,756 per child in 2026 (€6,828 subsistence minimum + €2,928 for care, upbringing and education). You do not have to choose: the tax office automatically checks which option is better for you when you file your income tax return (Section 31 Income Tax Act).

Rule of thumb: for most families the paid-out child benefit is the better deal; the allowance only wins at higher incomes. To see how children affect your net salary and taxes, use the gross-net calculator. Families on low incomes can additionally receive the child supplement (Kinderzuschlag) on top of child benefit – up to €297 per child per month.

You apply for child benefit at the Familienkasse of the Federal Employment Agency – online or in writing, usually by the parent the child lives with. Back payments are limited, so it pays to apply right after the birth.