Care Level Calculator Germany
Estimate your German care level (Pflegegrad) with the NBA method: rate impairment in six modules and get weighted points and the matching care allowance.
Assess Impairment per Module
Rate the impairment of independence in each module: 0 = none, 1 = mild, 2 = considerable, 3 = severe, 4 = most severe. Each step adds a quarter of the module weighting (e.g. self-care: 10, 20, 30 or 40 points).
Moving around, climbing stairs, transferring
Weighting: 10%
Orientation, decisions, communication
Weighting: 15% (Modules 2+3 combined: higher value counts)
Aggression, anxiety, delusions
Weighting: 15% (Modules 2+3 combined: higher value counts)
Washing, dressing, eating, drinking
Weighting: 40%
Medication, doctor visits, therapies
Weighting: 20%
Daily routine, social contacts, activities
Weighting: 15%
Estimated Care Level
No Care Level
No care level
Weighted Total Points
0 / 100
Care Allowance (Month)
€0.00
Note: This assessment does not replace the official evaluation by the Medical Service (MD). The actual classification is based on a detailed analysis with many individual criteria per module. This simplified calculation is for initial guidance only. As of: 2026.
Note: These calculations are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional tax or financial advice. All information without guarantee.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How are care levels determined?
Care levels are assessed by the Medical Service (Medizinischer Dienst, MD) using a point system across six modules: mobility; cognitive and communicative abilities; behavioural patterns and psychological problems; self-care; coping with and independently managing illness- and therapy-related demands and stresses; and organising daily life and social contacts.
What benefits does each care level provide?
Benefits increase with the care level. Level 1 brings no care allowance, but the relief amount of 131 euros a month; from level 2 there is care allowance (347 to 990 euros a month) or benefits in kind. For residential care, the care insurance pays a fixed monthly amount towards the care costs (§ 43 SGB XI) – at level 5 it is 2,096 euros in 2026. This is not full coverage: residents pay the remaining care costs, accommodation, meals and investment costs themselves.
How much does each module count towards the care level?
The modules are weighted differently in the total score of 0 to 100: self-care 40%, coping with illness-related demands 20%, organising daily life 15% and mobility 10%. Of module 2 (cognitive and communicative abilities) and module 3 (behavioural patterns and psychological problems), only the higher result counts, weighted at 15% together. Each of the five steps (no to most severe impairment) adds a quarter of the weighting. In the calculator, 'Severe' for self-care gives 30 points and therefore care level 2; adding 'Considerable' for coping with illness-related demands (10 points) brings it to 40 points – still care level 2. Only with 'Severe' for mobility on top (7.5 points) does the total reach 47.5 points and care level 3.
Guide
What is the Care Level Calculator Germany?
The care level calculator estimates the expected care level based on impairments in the six assessment modules.
How does the Care Level Calculator Germany work?
Rate the impairments in six modules: mobility, cognitive abilities, behaviour, self-care, disease management and daily routine. The calculator weights the modules and determines the total score and resulting care level.
Key Data and Facts
Care levels 1-5 by total score: Level 1 (12.5-26.9), Level 2 (27-47.4), Level 3 (47.5-69.9), Level 4 (70-89.9), Level 5 (90-100). Assessment by the Medical Service.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to estimate the care level (Pflegegrad) step by step: 1. Assess the six modules: Module 1 – Mobility (10 %): changing position, getting around, climbing stairs. Module 2 – Cognitive abilities (15 %): orientation, recognising people, assessing risks. Module 3 – Behaviour (15 %): aggression, restlessness, fears. Module 4 – Self-care (40 %): personal hygiene, nutrition, getting dressed/undressed. Module 5 – Coping with illness- and therapy-related demands (20 %): medication, doctor's visits, changing dressings. Module 6 – Organising daily life and social contacts (15 %): daily routine, maintaining contacts. Modules 2 and 3: only the higher value counts. Each module has five steps (no, mild, considerable, severe, most severe impairment); each step adds a quarter of the weighting, so self-care gives 0, 10, 20, 30 or 40 points. 2. Add up the weighted points. 3. Assign the care level: 12.5-26.9 points: Level 1. 27-47.4: Level 2. 47.5-69.9: Level 3. 70-89.9: Level 4. 90-100: Level 5. 4. Submit an application to the care insurance fund for an official assessment.
Calculation Example
Elderly person: mobility severely impaired (7.5 points), self-care severely impaired (30 points), coping with illness-related demands considerably impaired (10 points), other modules without impairment. Weighted total: 7.5 + 30 + 10 = 47.5 points = care level 3 (threshold of 47.5 reached exactly).
Sources
Official sources
Calculations are based on applicable German laws and official data:
- Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS)
- Deutsche Rentenversicherung
- Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
Full methodology at Methodology.
Reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Last updated:
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