Retirement age in Germany: When are employees allowed to retire?

Retirement age in Germany: When are employees allowed to retire?

When employees in Germany are allowed to retire depends on the year of birth. Some are allowed to retire earlier, while others must reach age 67. Pension policy in Germany, especially the pension package of the current government coalition, is causing a lot of discussion and criticism. Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) and Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) presented a new pension concept in March that could have far-reaching effects. In addition to current developments, many people are also concerned with questions about their personal retirement age and pension amount, depending on the year of birth.

Most people in Germany plan to retire at the age of 67. Early retirement without deductions is possible for some age groups. The pension fund requires that employees pay contributions for at least five years in order to be entitled to a pension. Long insurance periods of 35 years are required in order to claim disability or old-age pensions.

The retirement age is expected to be raised to 67, although discussions about further adjustments due to rising pension costs are always present. Labor Minister Heil has ruled out pensions at 69 or even 70 for the current legislative period. However, voluntary work opportunities for retirees who wish to remain active for longer could be considered. This step could potentially reignite the discussion about the retirement age.

Only a few age groups, mainly those born between 1958 and 1963, can retire before their 67th birthday without deductions. For all others, especially those born after 1964, retirement is planned from the age of 67 after 35 years of contributions. Discounts are unavoidable for early retirement for newer generations, except for miners, for whom there are exceptions. It is also important for future retirees to check whether they are entitled to more pension points, as this can affect their pension amount.