Pension Gap Calculator Germany
Compare the income you want in retirement with your expected German pension: monthly gap, also after inflation, plus the capital needed and the savings rate.
Pension gap / month (today)
€1,000.00
Required monthly savings rate
€403.02
Detailed calculation
Inflation-adjusted view
The calculation assumes a pension period of 20 years. Inflation and returns are assumptions. The actual pension gap depends on many factors. Without guarantee.
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
What is the pension gap?
The pension gap is the difference between your expected statutory pension and the income you need in retirement. It shows how much additional private provision is necessary.
How can I close my pension gap?
Options include company pension schemes, Riester/Ruerup pensions, ETF savings plans, real estate, and voluntary additional contributions to the statutory pension.
How much do I need to save each month to close my pension gap?
The calculator multiplies the monthly gap by 12 months and 20 years of retirement and spreads this capital, with compound interest, over the years until retirement; it assumes no interest during the payout phase. Example: a desired income of 2,500 euros and an expected pension of 1,500 euros give a gap of 1,000 euros and a capital requirement of 240,000 euros – about 403 euros a month over 25 years at a 5% return. With 2% inflation, the 2,500 euros correspond to about 4,102 euros in 25 years, the real gap rises to about 2,602 euros and the savings rate to about 1,048 euros. This variant is a cautious estimate, because the calculator does not let the pension itself rise with inflation.
Guide
What is the Pension Gap Calculator Germany?
The pension gap calculator computes the difference between your income needs in retirement and your expected statutory pension.
How does the Pension Gap Calculator Germany work?
Enter your desired net income in retirement and the expected statutory pension. The calculator computes the gap accounting for inflation and shows what private provision is needed to close it.
Key Data and Facts
Average pension gap: approx. 500-1,000 euros/month. Rule of thumb: 70-80% of last net income as target. Inflation reduces the real purchasing power of pensions.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to calculate your pension gap step by step: 1. Estimate your income needs in retirement: rule of thumb: 70-80 % of your last net income. In retirement, contributions to the pension insurance, commuting costs and possibly a loan no longer apply. On the other hand, health costs and leisure spending increase. 2. Determine your statutory pension: take the figure from your annual pension information from the DRV. Note: the gross amount is reduced by health/long-term care insurance (approx. 12.35 %) and possibly taxes. 3. Calculate the pension gap: desired net income minus the expected net pension = monthly gap. 4. Account for inflation: at 2 % inflation, money loses about 33 % of its purchasing power over 20 years. 1,000 EUR today corresponds to only about 670 EUR in purchasing power in 20 years. 5. Calculate the required capital: monthly gap x 12 x expected pension duration (e.g. 20 years) = the necessary assets. Example: employee, 42 years old, net 3,000 EUR, expected statutory net pension (at pension start at 67): 1,500 EUR. Desired income in retirement (75 %): 2,250 EUR. Pension gap: 2,250 - 1,500 = 750 EUR/month. Over 20 years of pension drawing: 750 x 12 x 20 = 180,000 EUR of required capital. With inflation (2 %, 25 years until retirement): the real gap rises to about 1,230 EUR/month. Required capital in real terms: about 295,000 EUR. Necessary monthly savings rate (at 5 % return, 25 years): about 496 EUR.
Calculation Example
Net income 3,000 EUR, expected net pension 1,500 EUR, target 75% (2,250 EUR). Pension gap: 750 EUR/month. Required capital (20 years of payout): 180,000 EUR. With inflation (25 years, 2%): about 295,000 EUR, savings rate about 496 EUR/month at a 5% return.
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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