In general, you can always apply for parental leave in one go or split it into two periods. If you wish to split your leave into more than two periods, you should inform your employer when you apply for parental leave.
If you wish to end your parental leave prematurely, you must usually agree this with your employer, who must approve your request. However, you can also interrupt your parental leave if you become pregnant again during your parental leave and wish to go on maternity leave. There are also special cases of hardship in which you can also apply for early termination of your parental leave. These include, for example, serious illness, disability or the death of a parent or child.