8 months. No ! Thanks God! In Germany, pregnant and after give a birth, mother get 1 years free to take care their child. With normal pay. And, after one year, go back to work. But depends on how can you reserve the nursery, how long a day. You can work as part time. (3-4hrs a day) or you can choose to finish the work time for example. ..14.00 pm or 15.00 pm. As have to take care their child. (No grandmother or grandfather to be in charge! )