Determine Adjusted Net Income: Enter the payer's monthly net income. Important: You can deduct work-related expenses (typically 5% flat rate) and certain debts to find the "Bereinigtes Nettoeinkommen."
Add Children: Use the "+ Add Child" button for every child you support. Select their age group, as costs increase with age in the Düsseldorfer Tabelle.
Check the Result: The calculator identifies your Income Group (1-10) and subtracts the appropriate Kindergeld share to show the final "Zahlbetrag" (Payment Amount).
Mangelfall Check: If your remaining income falls below the Self-Support Amount (€1,510), the calculator automatically pro-rates the payments to ensure you keep your minimum subsistence level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Düsseldorfer Tabelle?▼
It is a standardized guideline used by family courts across Germany to determine child maintenance. It classifies payers into 10 income groups and sets payment amounts based on the age of the children. It is updated annually (usually in January).
How is Kindergeld factored in?▼
The amounts in the table are "Needs" amounts. The actual payment (*Zahlbetrag*) is lower because *Kindergeld* (Child Benefit) is credited against it. For minor children, half of the Kindergeld is deducted from the payer's obligation. For adult children, the full Kindergeld is deducted.
What is the Self-Support Amount (Selbstbehalt)?▼
The law protects the payer's own livelihood. As of 2025, a working parent must be left with at least €1,510 per month (the *Notwendiger Eigenbedarf*). If paying the full child support would drop you below this limit, a "Mangelfallberechnung" (Deficiency Calculation) is triggered to reduce payments.
Do I have to pay for children over 18?▼
Yes, if they are still in education (school or university) and under 21, or until they finish their first professional training. However, for adult children, **both** parents are liable to pay based on their combined income, and the full Kindergeld is deducted.