German Child Maintenance Calculator (Düsseldorfer Tabelle)

The Düsseldorfer Tabelle (issued by the Higher Regional Court of Düsseldorf) is the standard German guideline for child maintenance (Kindesunterhalt). It lists the monthly need (Bedarf) in 15 income groups and four age brackets (0–5, 6–11, 12–17, 18+), based on two dependent children. The table has no legal force but is used by almost all German family courts.

The payment amount (Zahlbetrag) is the need minus Kindergeld: half the €255 Kindergeld (€127.50) for minors, the full €255 for adults (18+).

The tool finds the income group for the paying parent's net monthly income, picks the age bracket for the child, and reads the need from the 2025 table. It then subtracts the appropriate Kindergeld portion to give the monthly payment. The Bedarfscontrollbetrag (self-support control) is shown so you can see the payer's own minimum living cost.

Need (Bedarf) in euro/month for two dependent children. Stand 01.01.2025. Payment = need − Kindergeld portion.

Kindergeld 2025 is €255/month. For a minor child, half (€127.50) is deducted from the need; for an adult child (18+), the full €255 is deducted. Example: group 1, age 0–5, need €482 → payment €482 − €127.50 = €354.50.

1. Enter the paying parent's net monthly income in euro.
2. Select the child's age bracket (0–5, 6–11, 12–17, or 18 and over).
3. Click Calculate to see the maintenance need and the payment after Kindergeld.
4. Check the Bedarfscontrollbetrag to confirm the payer keeps enough to live on.
5. Adjust for the number of dependent children (one child often shifts the group up).

What is the Düsseldorfer Tabelle?

A guideline issued by the Higher Regional Court of Düsseldorf that sets child-maintenance need by the payer's net income and the child's age. It is not law but is followed by nearly all German family courts. The current table is Stand 01.01.2025.

How is Kindergeld deducted?

For minors, half the Kindergeld (€127.50 of the €255) is deducted from the need; for adults (18+), the full €255 is deducted. The remainder is the payment amount.

What if there is only one child?

The table is calibrated for two dependent children. With one child the payer is typically moved one income group higher, increasing the need; with three or more, one group lower.

What is the Bedarfscontrollbetrag?

A control figure ensuring the paying parent retains enough for their own living costs (€1,200 non-working / €1,450 working in group 1). If the payer cannot pay the table amount and stay above it, maintenance is stepped down.

Does the table cover school fees or extras?

No. The need figure is the basic maintenance. Additional costs (school fees, special needs, half of extraordinary expenses) are arranged separately.

Is the 2025 table still valid in 2026?

The Düsseldorfer Tabelle is reviewed annually. The values shown are Stand 01.01.2025; Kindergeld rose to €259 in 2026, so verify the current-year table with a family-law adviser or the OLG Düsseldorf publication.

This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified financial professional for advice specific to your situation.

The table assumes two dependent children – with one child the payer is often placed one group higher; with more children, one group lower.

Maintenance for adult children in education can be higher and lasts until the first degree ends.

The payer's own self-support (Selbstbehalt) is €1,200 (non-working) or €1,450 (working) – below that, maintenance is reduced.