When foreign parents send their children to German primary schools, they often come back with a whole new vocabulary of playground slang. Here's our guide to the main terms to know.
From school bags and sports kit to transport and class trips, the costs add up fast. Here's what parents in Germany need to know about keeping expenses under control and claiming support.
For stressed parents bringing up young children, having a dedicated space for support in the community can be a godsend. That's why every parent in Germany should know about its 'family centres', writes journalist and new mother Imogen Goodman.
Lawmakers in France are scheduled to vote on Tuesday to ban social media for under-15s -- one of 20 countries worldwide to have proposed or introduced such measures, with many of them in Europe.
Germany's conservatives are embroiled in controversy after a high-profile CDU politician admitted his child had been carried by a surrogate mother in the United States. Why has this caused such a stir, and what are the rules on surrogacy in Germany?
Raising a child is expensive, but in Germany parents also get supportive benefits, as well as affordable childcare and health insurance. Here's a look at how much it really costs to raise a family here.
With around 1.7 million single parents in Germany, unpaid child support is a growing social issue. The Family Ministry hopes tougher penalties for ex-partners and caps on payouts from the state will help to solve the problem.
The German government is planning to reform the parental allowance (Elterngeld) system. Goals include reducing the maximum payment period from 14 to 12 months and encouraging parents to share childcare more equally. Here's what you need to know.
The aim at least is simple: better protection for children – and clearer guidance for families navigating digital life. We look at the latest proposals for rules on social media and smartphones in schools.
Germany's generous parental allowance benefit makes it possible for new parents to take time off work. But the rules for freelancers can be complicated, writes journalist and new mother Imogen Goodman.
Many international residents have heard of Germany’s generous programs for new parents, but fewer realise they can transition to part-time work and extend their income support via 'Elterngeld Plus'.
Thinking of starting a family in Germany? Looming reforms to 'Elterngeld' could mean less financial support, stricter eligibility and new rules for sharing parental leave. Here’s what you need to know.
From where to stay, what to do and how to travel, Berlin-based journalist and mom Rachel Stern lays out some tested tips on going on a family holiday in and around Germany.
Marrying a German national can entitle you to German citizenship in some cases - but you don't get it automatically. Here's what to know if you live abroad and want to become German through your spouse.
Germany is planning a major overhaul of the public health insurance system, with plans to restrict free spousal co-insurance and reduce other benefits. Here's a look at the increasing costs families will have to consider in future.
What does it mean for a country when the next generation starts looking elsewhere? A new study finds that around 40 percent of young people can imagine leaving Germany, in part to escape a life that feels stuck permanently in 'crisis mode'.
For anyone expecting a baby in Germany or wondering what support and services new parents are entitled to, here’s a straightforward guide to making the most of your statutory health insurance coverage.
In Berlin, around 30,000 Year Six pupils are preparing to move on to secondary school. For some, the stress is heightened by a new requirement to sit an entrance assessment for Germany’s academically focused grammar schools.
The most romantic day of the year or an out and out nightmare? We look at the stories which could explain why Germans don't typically embrace Valentine's Day – and why this trend might be changing among new generations.
Germany’s marriage rate has fallen to its lowest level since records began in 1950. Some commentators argue that one cause could be the country’s tax system – which can leave women facing a 20 percent drop in income when they tie the knot.
By the end of February, Saxony will become the latest German state to introduce a ban on smartphones in schools. Here are the current rules on phone use in school across the federal states, and a look at how well they're working.
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?
