Pension points (Entgeltpunkte)

Entgeltpunkte (pension points) are the currency of the German statutory pension insurance – they determine how high your pension will be.

How are they calculated?

• 1 pension point = earning the average wage for 1 year (2025: approx. €45,358 gross/year)
• Anyone earning twice that: 2 points per year
• Anyone earning half: 0.5 points per year
• Maximum: approx. 2.1 points per year (contribution ceiling)

What is one pension point worth?

• Current pension value (from July 2025): €40.79 per month
• Standard pensioner (45 years on average pay): 45 × €40.79 = €1,835.55 gross/month
• Health/long-term care insurance (~11%) and taxes are still deducted from this

Additional pension points through:

• Raising children: approx. 3 points per child (child-rearing periods)
• Caring for relatives: depending on the care level
• Voluntary contributions: 1 point costs approx. €9,392 (2025)