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Family and Pets

Raising a family in Germany can be a wonderful experience, but with any new adventure, it’s important to be aware of the cultural, legal, financial, and emotional differences you may encounter. Although there are similarities between raising a family in Germany and South Africa, there’s no doubt that you will face new challenges and opportunities that come with living in a new country. You may find that the German education system, housing policies, and healthcare system differ from what you’re accustomed to and it’s important to educate yourself on these differences before making the journey. Additionally, navigating the legal and financial systems can be challenging even for native Germans, let alone someone new to the country. Therefore, it’s essential to do your research and seek out support to make the transition smoother for you and your family. Remember, this is an exciting chapter in your lives, and with the right preparation, it can be a rewarding and enriching experience for all.

 Having a baby in Germany.

Having a baby in Germany can be a very fulfilling experience for parents-to-be. The country is known for its excellent healthcare system, which provides quality care for both mother and baby. Maternity and paternity leave are also very generous, allowing parents to bond with their child for an extended period of time. Furthermore, there are numerous resources available to new parents, such as support groups and classes, that can help ease the transition into parenthood. Additionally, Germany has a strong emphasis on family values, making it a welcoming place for families with children. From top-notch medical care to a supportive community, having a baby in Germany can be a wonderful journey for those who embark upon it.

Parental leave (Elternzeit)

Parental leave is an important benefit in Germany that aims to support new parents during what can be a challenging and demanding period in their lives. It is designed to give mothers and fathers the necessary time off work to bond with their newborn child, as well as to manage the many responsibilities that come with being a parent. Parental leave is an essential component of Germany’s labor laws and reflects the government’s commitment to supporting families and helping them achieve a healthy work-life balance.

  • Parental Leave – Very informative page from the Make it in Germany Website
  •  Elternzeit – Handbook Germany
  • Pamflet from the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs

Parental allowances

The following websites offer detailed information about Family benefits:

Parental allowance in Germany (Elterngeld)

Financial security for your growing family. Because those first moments matter the most. Elterngeld, also known as Parental Allowance, is designed to compensate for the loss of income when parents take time off work or reduce their working hours to care for their newborn or newly adopted child. This benefit aims to give parents the financial flexibility to spend quality time with their child during the first crucial months of life. As new parents, both you and your partner are entitled to Germany’s generous parental allowance.If you or your partner has recently had a child, you may be eligible

Kitas

Kitas

Kita is a German abbreviation for “Kindertagesstätte,” which translates to “daycare centre” in English. In Germany, Kita is a term used to refer to preschool

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Schools

As a concerned parent, it is vital to grasp a clear understanding of the German school system and how your child will navigate through it. It is important to keep in mind that every educational system varies and it can be overwhelming if you are not aware of the differences. Understanding the variations in teaching methods, grading systems, and school organization can help your child succeed in their academic journey in Germany. Apart from academic adjustments, your child may face cultural differences, language barriers, and social integration challenges that must be tackled head-on to ensure their smooth transition. Being familiarized with these differences will assist you in guiding your child academically and providing them with the support they need to achieve their goals in the German education system. See the referenced page below for more information.

School Information

The German School system is quite unique and distinguishes itself from the South African models in a number of ways Types of schools There are different types of schools to choose from in Germany. The main system is Public schooling, but if  There are different types of schools to choose from in Germany. The German public school system is renowned for its comprehensive approach to education. Students from all backgrounds have access to free education. Other options are:  Montessori  Waldorf schools, based on Rudolf Steiner’s anthroposophical human studies. They are state-approved or state recognised independent schools. Jenaplan-Schulen The Catholic church also runs

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Parental rights and responsibilities

As a foreign parent residing in Germany, it is important to understand your parental rights and responsibilities. You have the right to raise your child and make decisions about their well-being, including their education, healthcare, and general upbringing. You are also responsible for providing for your child financially, which includes covering the cost of their basic needs such as food, clothing, and housing. Additionally, you may be required to cooperate with the German legal system and comply with any court orders related to your child, such as custody arrangements or child support payments. You must familiarize yourself with Germany’s laws regarding parental rights and responsibilities to ensure that you are meeting all of your obligations and protecting the best interests of your child.

The following websites offer valuable information:

Vaccinations

The vaccination schedule from the RKI (Robert Koch Institut) is available on this website

Measles vaccinations in Germany are now required when you register your child at school.
Parents can be fined thousands of euros if they violate the law

U-Untersuchengen

Regular check-ups are intended to help identify illnesses and developmental problems in children at an early stage. If necessary, support options or treatments can also be recommended. 
Ten free “U-Untersuchengen” are offered for each child. They begin immediately after birth and last until the child is six. Many health insurance companies also pay for further examinations during childhood and adolescence.

In Baden-Württemberg, Bayern and Hessen, the U1 to U9 examinations are mandatory by law.

Where to buy formula and baby food

The following companies are highly recommended.

Müller,  Rossman and DM sell baby products and food. When you are expecting, you can register at baby clubs at companies like Kaufland, Lidl, Rossman and DM to receive discounts and baby welcome packages.

Dressing you child correctly for the weather

If you’re struggling to dress your baby or toddler for the weather, look no further than Baby-wetter.de. This fantastic website is packed with tips, tricks, and advice on how to ensure your little one is always snug and comfortable, no matter what the forecast may be.

Support groups

Expat pregnancy & babies support group and website – Gravidaminga

Social and sport

Looking for a fun and safe place for your kids to play in Germany? Check out Spielplatztreff! Their extensive database includes thousands of playgrounds nationwide with reviews, photos, and amenities.

Afrikaans

The following website has a list of resources for your children to read or watch entertainment in Afrikaans

All grown up

What are the citizen options for my child who grew up in Germany with South African parents. This section will be updated soon

Terminology

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Visiting a doctor

Navigating Healthcare in Germany Visiting a doctor in Germany can feel overwhelming at first, but understanding how the system works will help you feel confident

Learning German

Master the Language. Embrace the Culture. Embarking on the journey to learn German can be approached in various ways to suit your lifestyle and goals.

Here are some shared experiences by our Facebook members.  If you would like to add your experience to our website, please submit it via our contact form

December 2022

I did DIY from Pretoria to Jhb to Cape Town to Frankfurt on 24 December. Both dogs were in the cargo hold for both flights.
DIY can only be done from CPT airport, which is why that flight was added. It means your dogs fly as excess baggage on your flight ticket. There is no pet travel agent involved. It saves a lot of money but does add a lot of stress so be well prepared. I heavily relied on the Facebook group, EMBARK: South Africans Emigrating With Pets.

Dogs: 2 x Italian Greyhounds
Airlines: CemAir (Jhb – CPT) and Lufthansa (CPT – Frankfurt)
Private Vet: Wilgers Animal Hospital (Pretoria)
State Vet: Pretoria (c/o Lillian Ngoyi Street & Pretorius Street – the entrance to the building is next to the McDonalds and the state vet is on the 7th floor)

Tips learned from the process:
* Try and do everything from vaccinations, titre tests and health checks with the same private vet that has done this process before
* Our trainer suggested the dogs sleep in the crates for at least the last two weeks prior to their flight. Our plans ended up being quite rushed so we eventually only had them sleep in the crates for 1 week prior to departure. But we trained them with the crates for 2/3 months prior.
* Book a direct and night flight if you can, best for the dogs
* The DIY guide by Elizabeth Gie mentions a separate Western Cape Health check form, in Gauteng you just use the EU Health Certificate form & the extra declaration page stating you do not intend to export the pets for commercial purposes. There is no specific Gauteng form.
* I did this alone with 2 x 23kg bags and 2 size L Viaggio crates when we arrived at CPT airport, none of the baggage staff wanted to assist me with transporting my dogs and luggage to the arrivals area from the baggage carousel. I ended up relying on kind strangers. Side note, we did fly on 24 December.
* At CPT airport there is a baggage storage place called A-Tech – I left my crates and baggage with them to take the dogs running in between flights. Their prices were very reasonable. I think like R70 a piece of luggage for 5 hours.
We arrived in CPT at 9 AM and only departed for Frankfurt at 18h20.
* We booked a private porter for arrival in Frankfurt to avoid the drama of CPT again. I highly recommend this. Since our flight arrived at 5h30 local time, the customs officials were not there yet. The porter went to the Lufthansa counter while we were busy waiting for my luggage & sorted everything. He literally asked, “do you have your papers?” and when I said yes, he said, “okay then we can go” – I doubt it would have been that easy without him. Again, I speak German quite well which probably helped too. Hiring him did cost €90 but he helped us so much & as it was Christmas morning, I doubt someone else would have helped me with transporting the dogs and my luggage.
* If not using a porter, remember you have to pay for the baggage trolleys I think one or two euros each.
* My husband was already in Germany & rented a VW Tiguan for the journey to our new home in Baden-Württemberg.
* We gave the dogs CalmEze the week leading up to the flights as well as CBD biscuits that they were used to.

 

March 2022

Since I just flew into Frankfurt on Saturday, with my cat in cargo (Lufthansa), I thought I could provide an update on costs and flesh out some info given by others.
I went the Semi-DIY route with ITTA – airfares have jumped – cost over R19k to fly JHB to FRA direct – okay my cat is fat (7kgs) and needed a bigger box. (dorette@ittagroup.co.za was amazing!) Once I had a flight for my cat, I THEN booked myself on the same flight.
I say ‘SEMI’ DIY because I had help doing the final health certificates – Venessa at Animals En Route (admin@animalsenroute.co.za) has a good relationship with ITTA. It was the best R3000 I spent – I dropped off my cat 2 days before departure with Titre, Vac book, etc and she took care of everything else, she even fetched the box from ITTA for me. All I had to do then was get myself to Frankfurt.
– You cannot walk from Arrivals at the airport to the Animal Lounge unless you want to walk outdoors for 3,2kms with your luggage. (btw it’s on Google maps.)
– if you ask for directions, ignore staff members who think you can fetch your pet from the bulky luggage section.
Animal Lounge: Exit the elevator and turn to the office on the right first to present Airway Bill
– They’ll give you all the docs to take to the vet’s reception to the left of the elevator.
– I landed on a weekend so I paid €90 instead of €60 to the vet’s office.
– I later had to pay another €83 to the other office for lounge facilities or whatever they call it.
Customs / Zoll: You don’t want to try to walk here either even though it’s not that far. Leave the parking lot of the Animal lounge and turn right onto the main road. Not even a minute later turn right again.
– Park the car close to a bus stop and small office you’ll see up ahead.
*NB: This little office is where you’ll receive the KEY CARD to get through the entrance boom. (On your way out the machine will swallow the key card.)
– Building D is correct BUT it’s not on the 3rd floor. The elevator only lets you go to the 1st floor. Exit the elevator to the left and you’ll see the Zoll sign.
– You won’t pay taxes if you’re flying with your animal/s.
– You can finally drive back to the Animal Lounge to collect your fur babies.
 

December 2021

The following information was shared on our FB page by Ruan Moolman-Dreyer, who gave us permission to share it on our website (December 2021)
CATS FROM JOHANNESBURG TO FRANKFURT, GERMANY.
Hi all, I have decided to do a post on how I did the DIY route from South Africa to Germany. It was surprisingly easier than I thought.
Took my cats for a rabies vaccination – Wait one month + 1 day and take the cats to the vet for Titre tests. Mine was sent to Onderstepoort and cost about R1500 per cat.
You have to wait 3 months + 1 day after the blood was drawn before the cats can fly.
I decided on cargo as it would be difficult to carry two cats in the cabin with me and I was afraid they might cry a lot as they do not like being in a cage.
I asked Lufthansa to direct me to the correct place and the cheapest I found was ITTA (International Trade and Transport Agency. You can email yolanda@ittagroup.co.za
Total costs were R20 000 for both cats (included everything from built cages and all airport fees – paid nothing extra). They are only an agency that takes the cat from point a to b and does not advise on vet things, which makes them a bit cheaper. Other agents quoted me about R 36 000 per cat.
After a flight date was confirmed I had to take the following documents to a private vet within 10 days from their flight date (not later than 10 days). I did it within 5 days just to be safe.
Make sure the private vet fills in his own health declaration as well as the following: The document shows instructions as to whom must fill in what.
– Most important sites (you can find all the explanations and documents here.
https://www.bmel.de/…/heimtiere-einreiseregelung.html
 
Try to find a state vet closest to where you stay (this can be quite a mission as I phoned around quite a bit.
After the private vet, the state vet has to fill in most of the document and stamp and sign it.
I flew my cats to Frankfurt as I wanted a direct flight for my kitties.
I took my cats on the day of the flight to ITTA, dropped off the cats and they handled the rest. They were so friendly and helpful.
You have to fly within 5 days of sending your cats to qualify as a non-commercial movement. (Dogs are very much the same in terms of the process.)
After landing in Frankfurt I went to the Animal Lounge (they will provide the address and paid about 400 euros for both cats to check them out.
I hope this makes sense (I tried to summarise as much as I can as I did months of research.
If you need more information you can email the authorities at info.privat@zoll.de, try to Google Translate to German if you can’t speak it well and they usually answer within 2 days.
It’s really easy and do not be scared to nag German authorities for information.
Finally, you do not need an import permit from the German authorities.
 
If you would like to add your experience to our website, please submit it via our contact form

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Weather in Germany

German Climate Germany’s climate is temperate and marine, with cold, cloudy winters and warm summers and in the south occasional warm föhn wind. The greater

Pets

Dangerous (Banned) Dogs Some dog breeds are banned in Germany. There are additional rules for individual states.  Up-to-date information can be found on the Zoll

Your new baby needs to be registered at the registry office (Standesamt) within seven days of the birth in order to receive a birth certificate and a tax ID (even babies get them in Germany!)
Once you have a birth certificate you can also apply for child benefit and a passport for your child.

From the Standesampt Stuttgart:

“Die Geburt Ihres Kindes müssen Sie innerhalb einer Woche beim Standesamt des Geburtsortes anmelden. Dafür benötigen Sie eine vollständig ausgefüllte Geburtsanzeige, in der Sie u.a. die Vornamen für Ihr Kind festlegen.

Schriftliche Anzeige bei Geburt in einer Klinik

Bei der Geburt eines Kindes in einem Krankenhaus oder in einer sonstigen Einrichtung, in der Geburtshilfe geleistet wird, meldet der Träger der Einrichtung die Geburt direkt beim Standesamt.

Mündliche Anzeige bei einer Hausgeburt
Bei einer Hausgeburt muss die Geburt von der Mutter, dem Vater oder jeder anderen Person, die bei der Geburt dabei war, im Standesamt angezeigt werden.

Das Standesamt teilt die Geburt des Kindes nach deren Beurkundung dem Bürgerbüro am Wohnsitz der Eltern mit. Das Bürgerbüro informiert das Finanzamt. Die Eltern erhalten dann automatisch vom Bundeszentralamt für Steuern die Steuer‐ID des Kindes zugesandt.”

 

Roughly translated:

“You must register the birth of your child with the registry office of the place of birth within one week. To do this, you need a fully completed birth announcement (Geburtsanzeige) in which you specify the first names for your child, among other things.

Written notification of birth in a clinic
If a child is born in a hospital or other facility where obstetrics is provided, the institution responsible for the facility reports the birth directly to the registry office.

Verbal notification of a home birth
In the case of a home birth, the birth must be reported to the registry office by the mother, father or any other person who was present at the birth.

The registry office notifies the birth of the child to the citizens office (Bürgerbüro) at the parents’ place of residence after it has been recorded.
The citizens’ office informs the tax office. The parents then automatically receive the child’s tax ID from the Federal Central Tax Office.”

Take note: – The birth must be registered in the Bundesland where the child was born and not where you live.

Naming your baby

There are rule and regulations on naming your child. First of all it depends on your marital status, and then the name itself.
The most confusing law is that it must be gender clear, so it has to indicate whether it is a boy or a girl. There has been some changes to this law and names can now be gender-neutral, with the additional paperwork of course. All names must be approved by the Standesamt.

In Baden-Württemberg the following rules apply. This might be different for your Bundesland so always make sure.

You have the following options for naming:

First names
If both parents have custody, they can jointly determine the first name of their child.
If only one parent has custody, they can choose their first name.

You can determine the first name yourself.
Names are not allowed which by their nature are not first names or that negatively affect the best interests of the child.
Surnames, objects or products as a First name are also not allowed.

Surname
When determining the surname of your child (also known as the maiden name), you must consider the following:

  • If you are married to each other and have a married name. The child then receives your married name as the maiden name.
  • If you are married to each other but do not have a married name. You can then choose either the surname of the mother or the father as the child’s maiden name.
    This provision then also applies to all other children.
  • If you are not married to each other and one parent has sole custody of the child. Then the child receives their family name. As the parent with custody, you can also give the child the surname of the other parent. But this is only possible with their consent.
  • If you are not married to each other but have joint custody. Then you can choose either the family name of the mother or the father for the child’s maiden name.

From on of our Facebook Members:
“We have chosen an Afrikaans girl’s name which is apparently seen as a gender neutral name in Germany.
We had to get the name ‘Beurkundigt’. We have also been told that either we need to give a second name which identifies the gender or we need to sign a document (Erklärung zum Vornamen eines Kindes) stating that we are aware we are giving our child a gender neutral name.
FYI, it is very much a girl’s name in SA but as with the name Yolandi, apparently it is gender neutral here. So something one might want to get out of the way and discuss with the Standesamt before the 7 day registration.”

Author: Martjie Louw and Carla James

Citizenship

Germany

As a rule, children born to a German and a non-German parent, or to parents with dual nationality, acquire the nationalities of both parents at birth, according to the principle of descent. See Section 4 of the Nationality Act
 
South Africa

Section 28 of the Constitution outlines rights to which children are entitled, including rights to a name and nationality. The SA Citizenship Act, 1995 (Act No. 88 of 2005) as amended by the South African Citizenship Amendment Act, 2010 (Act No. 17 of 2010) translates, and gives effect to, the Constitution’s provisions. Expanding on citizenship in South Africa it says it is obtained by birth, descent or naturalisation.

The basic principle of the South African citizenship is that a child follows the citizenship or nationality of his or her parents. If one parent is a South African citizen, the child will be a citizen by birth. A foreign child adopted by South African citizens becomes a citizen by descent whilst a naturalised citizen is one who has complied with the requirements for naturalisation as set out in section 5 of the South African Citizenship Act. – source DHA

Two sections in the South African Citizenship Act is of importance

Section 10 –  Deprivation of citizenship in case of children

Whenever the responsible parent of a minor has in terms of the provisions of section 6 or 8 ceased to be a South African citizen, the Minister may, with due regard to the provisions of the Children’s Act, order that such minor, if he or she was born outside the Republic and is under the age of 18 years, shall cease to be a South African citizen.

Section 13 – Resumption of South African citizenship

(2) A minor who has in terms of section 10 or a provision in any of the laws referred to in Schedule 2 ceased to be a South African citizen and who is resident in the Republic or has returned to the Republic for permanent residence therein, may at any time after attaining the age of 18 years make a declaration in the prescribed form stating that he or she wishes to resume South African citizenship, and if the Minister deems it fit, he or she may order that such a declaration be registered, and upon registration thereof, such person shall resume his or her former South African citizenship.

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Maternity Terminology

We created a searchable table to help you look up the German words you might need during and after your pregnancy.

Having a baby in Germany

Thinking of starting or expanding your family in Germany? Luckily the standard of German healthcare is very high and Germany has great maternity and paternity

Financial security for your growing family. Because those first moments matter the most.

Elterngeld, also known as Parental Allowance, is designed to compensate for the loss of income when parents take time off work or reduce their working hours to care for their newborn or newly adopted child. This benefit aims to give parents the financial flexibility to spend quality time with their child during the first crucial months of life.

As new parents, both you and your partner are entitled to Germany’s generous parental allowance.
If you or your partner has recently had a child, you may be eligible to receive parental allowance (Elterngeld). This benefit, funded by the German social security system, is given to all new parents to cushion the loss of earnings caused by the birth of a child.
To encourage both parents to spend time with their new baby, the German federal government has adopted a Scandinavian-style policy whereby the entitlement to parental allowance can be shared between the child’s parents. The benefit therefore enables both you and your partner to take time off work to spend time with your new child.

Requirements for parental allowance

To be eligible for parental allowance, you need to fulfil the following criteria:

  • You look after your child from birth yourself.
  • You do no more than 30 hours’ paid work per week while you are receiving the allowance.
  • You live together with your child in the same house.
  • You are a German / EU / EEA citizen, or you hold a permanent residence permit, or a residence permit that entitles you to work in Germany.
  • You and your partner’s combined annual income does not exceed 500.000 euros (or 250.000 euros for single parents).

You can also claim parental allowance if you look after a child immediately from birth, even if it is not your own, and if you adopt a child (up to eight years old).

How much parental allowance will I receive?

The parental allowance is intended to replace the income you received before the birth. The amount you receive is therefore based on your income over the 12 months immediately before the baby was born, including any income-replacement benefits like the child sickness benefit:

Previous monthly incomeAllowance (% of previous income)
Less than 1.000 euros67 – 100%
1.000 euros to 1.220 euros67%
1.220 euros to 1.240 euros67 – 65%
More than 1.240 euros65%

The minimum amount of parental allowance is 300 euros and the maximum amount is 1.800 euros monthly. So even if you have not worked before you give birth, you will still receive the minimum amount of 300 euros p/m.

Families with two or more children can receive a monthly bonus of 10%, or 75 euros, whichever is greater.
For multiple births (i.e. if you have twins or triplets), parental allowance increases by 300 euros each month for each additional child.

You can claim parental allowance for at least two and a maximum of 12 months. If both parents are claiming parental allowance, an additional two months of benefit payments is granted.

Parents who are sharing parental allowance can receive benefits one after the other or both at the same time, up to a shared total of 14 months (i.e. if you and your partner both claim parental allowance for a period of seven months, you will use up your 14-month allowance).

Note that if you are receiving parental allowance, it will be deducted as income from any unemployment benefit II or supplementary child allowance payments you may be receiving.

 

Parental allowance plus (ElterngeldPlus)

Since 2015, parents who wish to return to work sooner can also opt for a scheme called ElterngeldPlus. This enables any parent eligible for parental allowance to spread the benefit payments over a longer period of time, by receiving half of the regular parental allowance over a maximum period of 24 months.

During this time, you are only entitled to work a maximum of 30 hours per week in order to remain eligible for the parental allowance. It is also possible to combine regular parental allowance with ElterngeldPlus, to suit your family situation.

Partnership bonus

If both parents work simultaneously for 25 – 30 hours per week for four consecutive months, each parent will receive four additional months of ElterngeldPlus payments. You can still apply for this bonus if you and your partner live separately. Single parents can also claim the bonus by working for 25 – 30 hours per week for four months.

How to apply for parental allowance

You can apply for the parental allowance online via the ElterngeldDigital portal (in German)

The website also includes an Elterngeld calculator that gives you an idea of how much parental allowance you’ll receive.

You need to apply for the parental allowance by submitting an application to your local parental allowance office (Elterngeldstelle). You will need to fill out an application form, and also bring along the following documents:

  • Your child’s birth certificate
  • Valid identification ( identity card or a passport)
  • Proof of income, (employment contract or statements from your bank account)
  • Details of maternity benefit (if applicable)

Once you have submitted your application, it usually takes around four weeks to process and to receive a written decision per mail.

Author: Martjie Louw

Elterngeld vs Kindergeld

  • Kindergeld is a long-term, universal benefit paid to families with children, regardless of income.
  • Elterngeld is a short-term benefit aimed at compensating parents for lost income when they take time off work to care for a young child.

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Investments and financial planning

We are not financial advisors, and can therefore not give any financial advice.  We can however give you some guidelines about the industry in Germany

Having a baby in Germany

Thinking of starting or expanding your family in Germany? Luckily the standard of German healthcare is very high and Germany has great maternity and paternity

Sozialversicherung / Social Insurance

The following Social Insurances are payable in Germany when you are a full-time employee or trainee: Krankenvesicherung / Medical Insurance Plegeversicherung / Long Term care

Thinking of starting or expanding your family in Germany? Luckily the standard of German healthcare is very high and Germany has great maternity and paternity benefits, but there are some differences between having a baby in Germany v.s giving birth in South Africa that are good to be aware of upfront. Below gives an overview of what to expect for parents-to-be and what the process is.

Health insurance

The first step for any expectant mother should be to make sure that you are covered by German health insurance. Public health insurance provides comprehensive cover for expectant mothers, everything from check-ups to childbirth. If you have private health insurance, you should check with your provider to see what is covered.

Medical

Health Insurance in Germany: A Guide for South Africans In Germany, everyone must have health insurance. This means when you move to Germany, this is

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Prenatal care in Germany (Schwangerschaftsvorsorge)

If you discover you’re pregnant, your first step should be to make an appointment with your gynaecologist (Frauenarzt). This appointment normally takes place around eight weeks after conception. If you are employed, you can request a confirmation of pregnancy (Schwangerschaftsbestätigung) to present to your employer. You should tell your boss about your pregnancy not later than three months after it is verified; So that he/she has enough time to find a substitute for you. Once you notify your employer of your pregnancy,  your Maternity Protection kicks in.

At this point, your gynaecologist will also give you a document called a Mutterpass (mother’s passport). In the Mutterpass the doctor will note everything from your future appointments, tests, health information and due date, so you need to bring this document to any future appointments as well as to the hospital when you give birth.

After this, you will attend 12 regular check-up appointments: one every four weeks until week 32 and then every two weeks thereafter. (more if you have a complicated pregnancy or become overdue, in which case the doctor might want to see you every second day.) . In addition to the normal scans which take place at nearly every gynaecologist visit, most people get an anatomy ultrasound (Feindiagnostik) or 3D scan. Your doctor should recommend a specialist around the 25th week for this. You will receive a referral and can usually make an appointment fairly quickly. This scan is a fascinating chance to see your baby in the flesh and diagnose serious issues. Near the end of the pregnancy, CTG (electronic fetal monitor, EFM) scans will be added. These external monitors measure Braxton-Hicks contractions and heart rate and take about an hour If you are employed, your employer is obliged to give you time off to attend these appointments. Routine care usually includes:

  • Ultrasounds
  • Urine analysis
  • Blood pressure checks
  • Weigh-ins
  • Blood tests
  • Pelvic exams

Pregnant women in Germany also have the option of having a possible chromosomal disorder in their baby diagnosed via a non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT). For a NIPT, a blood sample from the pregnant woman is examined. Currently, it is being debated in parliament whether your health insurance should cover this test, but at the time of writing this, you have to pay for it yourself.

A Schwangerschaftsdiabetes test (for gestational diabetes) is administered between 24 and 28 weeks. Though this only affects between 2 to 14 percent of pregnant women it can significantly complicate a pregnancy. The glucose tolerance test is simple. After some light fasting, you must drink a syrupy mixture (50g glucose in 200 ml water) and after an hour, a blood sample is taken to check your blood sugar level and see if your body has processed it appropriately. If the reading is too high (which happens 15 to 23 percent of the time) a similar three-hour test is administered. Most women don’t turn out to have gestational diabetes. And even if you do, it is simply a matter of management with most babies unaffected and the condition disappearing soon after birth.

You will also be offered 2 toxoplasmosis tests during your pregnancy which currently is not covered by statutory health insurance.

Helpful links: Pregnancy scans in Germany

Struggling to fall pregnant.

Struggling to fall pregnant and you have been trying for a year? If you are younger than 35, the costs for the investigations of the causes for your infertility will be covered 100 % by your health insurance. If you are above 35 then the time you have had to try to conceive naturally gets reduced to 6 months. There after what your health insurance cover for the actual treatment depends on the treatment, your marital status and the type of insurance you have.
Read more on fertility treatment and cost here.

 Choosing a hospital

In Germany, you have three options for giving birth:

  1. In a hospital
  2. At a birthing house
  3. At home

Some hospitals require you to book way in advance, even as early as 13 weeks into the pregnancy, while others only take registrations two months before your due date, so make sure to find out when you need to register at your preferred hospital to avoid disappointment or having to do paperwork between contractions. Most hospitals offer an information evening (Infoabend), during which prospective patients can have a look around the facilities, meet with the staff and ask questions. Some hospitals offer private family rooms at an additional cost (ranging from 60 euros p/n to 150 euros p/n if you prefer more privacy after the birth, while others have shared rooms. If you would like a family room it is best to book in advance. You will need your Mutterpass, your passport, and possibly a copy of your birth certificate (and marriage certificate if you are married) when doing the registration.

Where you give birth is a very personal choice. Here are some pros and cons.

1. Hospital birth options:

While delivery rooms are almost all equipped with the traditional hospital bed, many also have an alternative available to aid in more comfortable labour. Some delivery rooms has jacuzzi tubs for water births, king-sized beds allowing dads to take an active role in the delivery or birthing stools and chairs.

Some hospitals also have special NICU centre.

Another benefit of a hospitals are their full range of surgical capabilities and pain medication, which is limited during in-home or birthing house deliveries. (Peridural Anästhesie (PDA)) or a Caesarean section are not offered at birthing homes or home births.

There are some disadvantages to giving birth in a hospital, though. The clinical environment is less intimate than the other options, and you are more likely to be hooked-up to a heart-rate monitor and an IV administering the contraction-inducing Pitocin. Hospitals will always chose the lowest risk in order to prevent facing legal problems, so they may not be very supporting if the mother for example chooses to wait a little longer before being induced where as a birth house might let you wait a bit linger is there is no concerns.

2. Birthing house

For many people, a birth house is a nice compromise between a home birth and hospital. These facilities offer a more intimate and private environment for the delivering mother. The births are attended by a midwife and the delivery rooms are cosily furnished for a homey feel. As with some hospital rooms, birthing houses are often also equipped with big tubs for delivery, or just helping women relax during the process. Mothers can also choose birth stools, various positions in bed and using other specialised equipment to help them deliver as comfortably as possible.

Birthing houses intend for women there to have natural births, so they are less likely to administer Pitocin and they don’t do epidurals. There is also no option to overnight at a birth house. Women who deliver at birth houses do so only on an outpatient basis. In a worst-case scenario, a mother experiencing a difficult delivery would also have to be transferred mid-labour to a hospital. If this is done by ambulance, the mother usually doesn’t have the option to choose which one.

3. All the comforts of home

Home births are also an option in Germany and, like hospital and birth-house deliveries, are covered by medical insurance. Not all midwives attend home births, so it may take some time to find one. Mothers who want a home birth can also find a midwife practice or birth house that has the insurance to deliver in-home. Women who plan on a home birth will have to do a little more preparation, as they’ll be expected to have all non-medical supplies on hand. Most midwives have their own foetal heart rate monitors and basic medical kits containing clamps for the umbilical cord and stitches, but they will expect parents to gather a checklist of other supplies.

Most birthhouses won’t deliver twins, or babies lying in the breech position or treat women who have suffered complications in their pregnancy such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. Some also won’t accept women who are older than 40, while women delivering before their 37th week of pregnancy are also sent to hospitals.

Choosing a midwife (Hebamme)

Giving birth and caring for a newborn is a daunting task if you are in a strange country without your usual support structure. This is where a good Hebamme is worth gold. Towards the end of your pregnancy (or sometimes earlier), you will start meeting regularly with a midwife (Hebamme). They will come to your home, administer check-ups, and support you before, during and after the birth of your child. A midwife is usually the responsible person at your child’s birth, although it may not be the same midwife who administers your home visits.

You can select your own midwife, or be assigned one by your doctor. It is worth searching for one in advance (usually at around 12-15 weeks), as many can only take on a few patients at a time. Your health insurance should cover around 12 weeks of home visits from a Hebamme.  In larger German cities, it is usually possible to find English-speaking midwives. The website Hebammensuche allows you to search for midwives according to location, language ability and specialism. Unlike in South Africa, your midwife will come to your home and weigh your baby, clean the umbilical cord and show you how to bathe the baby. Midwives can also help with breastfeeding problems and check on the progress of the mother’s healing. They are especially helpful for those who do not have a lot of family to support them in the early days of becoming parents.

Tips from our Facebook members

  • Start looking for a midwife as soon as you find out you are pregnant, although it seems they will only take you on after your 12th pregnancy week.  This might differ for each Bundesland. Do not wait until the 12th week to look for a Midwife. There is a big shortage of midwives in Germany.  If you have trouble finding one, search for your local Hebammenzentrale.
  • There are 3 types of hebamme. Some assist you before birth, some only during birth and some only after. It is worth checking your midwife’s specialities as they do not all do the same thing.

Prenatal classes (Geburtsvorbereitung)

Health insurance usually covers a prenatal course (Geburtsvorbereitung) which you can do around four weeks before your due date. (Later might be too late, and if you do it too early you may forget what you have learned. Classes are taught in German or English and you can either take them at your chosen hospital or through an alternative provider. Your hospital or midwife will be able to advise you on the courses available to you locally.

Going on maternity leave

Maternity leave is more of a requirement than a right in Germany – from six weeks before birth to eight weeks after (longer in the case of multiple or premature births). During this time, if you are employed, you continue to be treated as an “active employee” and receive your full salary as part of your maternity benefit. After your maternity leave period ends, you can apply for parental leave.

If you and/or your partner wish to take maternity leave and parental leave, you need to inform both your employer and your health insurance in advance. It is wise to take care of this at least several weeks before you intend to go on leave.

Giving birth in Germany

Germany favours vaginal birth, yet about 30% of deliveries end up in C-sections. It is possible to elect a C-section, but this is not something doctors always tell you. Unlike in South Africa, your usual gynaecologist will not be the one delivering your baby. After the 12th check-up, you usually go to the Hospital where you chose to have your baby. Hospitals usually ask you to come in for birth once your contractions are regular and spaced around 20 minutes apart (unless otherwise stated.) Call ahead to let them know you’re coming and bring your Mutterpass and overnight bag with you.

Getting to the hospital

If you don’t have your own transport and someone that can drive you, the best option would be to call a taxi as ambulances in Germany only deal with emergencies. If you have reason for concern, like bleeding, then you have to call an ambulance, but since ambulances are seen as emergency vehicles only, they have to take you to the nearest hospital, which might not be your preferred birthing hospital. When using a taxi or renting a car, take towels along and it is always a good idea to request a taxi with leather seats if you have the option.

At the hospital

You will be examined to make sure you are actually in labour and, if so, you will be checked into a birthing room (Kreißsaal). There a midwife will attend to you until it is time for the doctor to deliver your baby. The doctor will come and check in to see how far you are till the actual delivery and to make sure there are no complications.

After the birth, you will be given some time to recover before being taken back to the ward with your baby. A standard hospital stay following birth is between three and five days (longer if C-section delivery), but you are permitted to request early release. During these days you will be regularly checked by nurses, who can assist you with breastfeeding, changing the baby and baby bathing. Your baby will undergo several tests to make sure they are healthy. If you do decide to cut your hospital stay short, you would need to book with a paediatrician to do the U2 test (which usually gets done in the hospital.)

Leaving the hospital

When leaving the hospital, you will be given several important documents.

  • Your Mutterpass containing all details of the delivery
  • A child’s examination book (Kinderuntersuchungsheft), similar to a Mutterpass for the baby.
  • A record of birth (Bescheinigung über die Geburt) signed by either the midwife or the doctor.

After the birth, you will continue to receive regular visits from your midwife to check on both you and the baby.

Rückbildungskurs

Post-partum pelvic floor training is very important and should be covered by your medical insurance.
It includes specific exercises for mothers after giving birth. The aim is to strengthen the muscles that are particularly stressed, such as the pelvic floor and the stomach.

Author: Martjie Louw and updated with suggestions from our FB members by Carla James

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Maternity Terminology

We created a searchable table to help you look up the German words you might need during and after your pregnancy.