Definition of child benefit first training
Child benefit first training (Erstausbildung) refers to your first vocational qualification or first degree. During first training, the entitlement runs until age 25, without an earnings limit. After a completed first training, stricter rules apply to a second degree.
Value (as of 20 October 2026)
| Figure | Value | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age limit during training | up to 25 | applicable law | Section 32(4) EStG |
| Employment during first training | harmless, including a minijob | applicable law | Family Benefits Office information leaflet |
| Second training or second degree | employment up to 20 hours a week | applicable law | Section 32(4) EStG |
| Child benefit 2026 | 259 euros a month per child | official | Section 66 EStG |
Example
You study for a bachelor’s at 22 and work 12 hours a week in a job. That is first training, so your entitlement to child benefit does not depend on your working hours. If you do a master’s after your bachelor’s, the master’s counts as a first degree, provided the bachelor’s was your own first training. A second degree after completion, however, is subject to the 20-hour rule.
Related terms
Child benefit, transition period, second degree, family insurance, age limit 25.
Further articles
- Child benefit during studies 2026: entitlement, amount and duration (in German)
- Child benefit for students: requirements and application (in German)
- Second degree: costs, BAföG, child benefit and taxes (in German)
Sources
Section 32 EStG, Section 66 EStG, Federal Employment Agency, child benefit from age 18. As of 20 October 2026.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
Editorial team: Academycon
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