Parental support
Only by undergoing some form of training can young men and women become financially independent. Thus parents have a responsibility to support them in this endeavour. The law on parental responsibility is very complex and, in the end, depends on the individual case. Basically, however, we can say that parents have a responsibility to finance their child’s first training for a profession. They also have to support their child if studying for a university degree is part of that training, both as regards time and content.
A rough guide to the appropriate amount of financial support is given in the following calculations:
- The German Ministry for Families, Older People, Women and Young People estimates a general amount of 640€ per month for a student not living in the parental home. The actual amount however will depend on the parents’ financial scope and the number of dependent siblings. The table given in the Düsseldorf Table gives an overview how much parents can be expected to contribute while at the same time retaining enough money for their own living expenses.
- The German Students' Union calculates the amount a student needs at <//span><//span>414€ per month, rising to 512€ per month if the student is not living in the parental home. (If rents are particularly high or the student has to pay their own health insurance, the recommended amounts are higher.)
