You can go on maternity leave in Germany starting up to six weeks before your expected date of birth. Maternity leave must begin no later than the day after your child is born. The total maternity leave duration is 14 weeks, which includes 6 weeks before birth and 8 weeks after birth. In cases of premature birth or multiple births, the leave after birth extends to 12 weeks. If you wish, you may work during the 6 weeks before birth but you must take the full 8 weeks leave after birth, which cannot be waived.

Eligibility generally requires you to be employed and either compulsorily or voluntarily insured under statutory health insurance. The maternity leave protections and benefits apply primarily to employed women or women in vocational training in Germany, including part-time and fixed-term contracts, but not to housewives or fully self-employed women.

In summary:

• Earliest start: 6 weeks before expected birth
• Latest start: day after birth
• Duration: 14 weeks total (6 weeks before birth + 8 weeks after birth)
• Extension: 12 weeks after birth for premature/multiple births
• Must notify employer and health insurance timely

This gives a comprehensive overview of when you can start maternity leave in Germany and the conditions that apply.