Pensions
Merz digs in on pensions bill despite party rebellion
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz dug in on proposed pension reforms Friday despite resistance from younger members of his conservative CDU party who fear they will saddle future generations with unaffordable costs.
'€10 a month': Germany to set up pension accounts for all children from age 6
Many people don't begin saving for retirement until they start their career. From 2026 school children in Germany could get an early start thanks to a new government initiative, but not as many as originally proposed.
What Germany's incoming 'active pension' means for older workers
An incentive designed to keep pensioners in the workforce for longer will allow people over the age of 67 to earn up to €2,000 tax-free each month.
What Americans living in Germany should know about pensions
Here's what you need to know about how your pension and social security rights apply, if you've spent time working in both the US and Germany, or worked in one and plan to retire in the other.
EXPLAINED: How can my German employer contribute more to my pension?
Germany’s pension system rests on three pillars – a state pension, anything private you've set up for yourself, and extra contributions your employer might make as part of your company savings plan. Here’s how it works if your workplace is topping up your pension.
Seniors back to work as ageing Germany battles pension burden
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said he would like to allow working senior citizens to earn up to €2,000 a month tax free. The move comes in response to the ballooning costs of Germany's pension system.
OPINION: Why Germany’s pensions problems will soon be your problem
As government spending on pensions soars again and economists discuss options for financing ever-growing entitlements, Brian Melican examines the German system – and the prospects for everyone currently paying into it.
Q&A: What we know about Germany's plan to give kids pensions
Plans to set up pension accounts for children in Germany over the age of six are gaining momentum – and provoking significant debate in the German press. We look at what foreign residents need to know about the proposed scheme.
Why freelancers may have to pay into the German pension fund in future
To keep German pension contributions from spiralling, the new Labour Minister is pushing for a bold fix: making civil servants, politicians, and the self-employed pay into the system.
German pensions set to increase by 3.74 percent
Starting this summer, pensioners in Germany are set to see a hike in their income, with the standard pension going up by around €66 per month.EXPLAINED: The key changes affecting pensioners in Germany this March
Pensioners in Germany are likely to see a dip in their monthly income from March, but a recent statement from the federal bank suggests the pain will only be temporary. Here's what you need to know.
Where people in Germany receive the highest pensions
A senior citizen in Germany receives an average gross pension of €1,623 per month, according to a new analysis. But there are stark differences when it comes to regions and gender.
Can you get your pension contributions back if you leave Germany?
If you're leaving Germany for good and have worked for less than five years in the country, you may be able to get back the money you've paid in pension contributions.
How Germany needs to improve its pensions system
Germany needs to take steps to improve its pension system according to a new study which highlighted its main problems this week. This comes as the federal government's pension reform plan has so far failed to move forward.
What Canadians living in Germany should know about pensions
If you spent your career years in Canada but are thinking you might spend your retirement years here in Germany... Here's what you need to know about how your pension rights apply.What Brits in Germany need to know about British pensions
If you're a current - or soon-to-be - British pensioner who's thinking of moving to Germany, here's what you should know about whether - and how - your pension rights transfer over.
One in five pensioners in Germany takes home less than €1,200
A recent report from the German government reveals that around one in five people who have paid into the pension system for at least 45 years receives a monthly pension of less than €1,200 per month.
Why the German pension reform is threatened with further delays
Germany's Free Democrats (FDP) say they may vote against the pension reform if it leads to higher pension contributions for workers.
Irish pensions in Germany: What you need to know
If you're an Irish pensioner who's thinking of moving to Germany, here's what you should know about where your pension will be taxed, which pension plans are tax liable in Germany and what applicable tax rates are.
How Germany plans to stabilise pension contributions
The German government wants to stabilise pension payments going forward, and slow down the expected increase in pension contributions at the same time. Here's what you need to know.
EXPLAINED: Is it worthwhile to set up a private pension plan in Germany?
If you’re employed in Germany, you’re almost certainly contributing to your state pension. But it might not be enough to live on in your old age, meaning people often have to put other plans in place to retire comfortably. Here’s why some pick private pensions on top of their public ones.
EXPLAINED: Can you take your German pension with you when you move abroad?
If you’ve worked for a few years in Germany, you’ve probably contributed a decent sum toward your pension fund. But if you plan to leave the country, whether or not you can take that nest egg with you depends on a few factors.
Push to raise pensions in Germany as more retirees return to work
There are currently over 56,000 more over-67s employed in Germany than at the end of last year. According to the Left Party, many are returning to work to "make ends meet" each month.
Should Germany revamp its 'unaffordable' early retirement scheme?
Baden-Württemberg's state premier Winfried Kretschmann says Germany "can't afford" a scheme that allows sections of the workforce in Germany to retire early.