What is the retirement gap (Rentenlücke) in Germany?

The retirement gap is the difference between the income you'll need in retirement and what the statutory pension actually provides. On average, the German statutory pension replaces only about 48% of your last gross salary, leaving a significant gap that must be covered by private retirement savings.

How is the statutory pension calculated in Germany?

The German statutory pension = Entgeltpunkte × Aktueller Rentenwert. Entgeltpunkte represent your earnings relative to the average, and the Aktueller Rentenwert is the monthly pension per point (€40.65 in West Germany, €39.78 in East Germany as of 2025/2026). Our calculator uses these actual DRV values.

How much should I save for retirement in Germany?

Financial experts recommend saving enough to replace 70% of your gross income in retirement. Since the statutory pension covers only about 48%, you need private savings to cover the remaining 22% gap. The exact amount depends on your income, retirement age, and desired lifestyle.

Free tool · Updated for 2026

How big is your retirement gap?

Calculate in 60 seconds how much pension you'll be missing — and what you can do about it now. Honest, transparent, free.

Based on 2026 DRV data No data stored By an IHK-registered broker

Your Details

Current Gross Income (monthly)

3,500 € / month

€1,500€10,000

Your Current Age

35 years

1860

Desired Retirement Age

Gender

Federal State

Your retirement gap

Enter your details and calculate to see your estimated retirement gap

-- € / month

Based on 70% replacement rate and current DRV values

Statutory pension -
Target income (70%) -
Monthly gap -
Retirement age -
Region -

This is a simplified estimate based on current pension values (2026) and serves only as an initial orientation. Your actual pension depends on many individual factors (contribution periods, earning points, pension progression, etc.). For binding advice, contact Sven Chalupa, Insurance Broker & Investment Advisor.

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How does this calculator work?

This calculator estimates your retirement gap — the difference between the income you'll need in retirement and what the statutory pension actually provides.

Statutory pension alone is not enough: On average, retirees receive only about 48% of their last gross salary from the statutory pension.
Pension levels are declining: By 2040, the pension level is expected to drop below 44%. The gap will therefore become even larger in the future.
Acting early pays off: The earlier you start with private retirement planning, the lower the monthly effort needed to close the gap.

This result is a rough estimate and does not replace individual consultation. Your actual pension depends on many individual factors. Book a free initial consultation for binding advice.

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