How much pension with 45 pension points? (Image: Mart Production, Pexels)
Anyone who has reached 45 pension points can prepare for a solid legal pension – at least in theory.
But what does that mean specifically in euros? And above all: how much of it remains really net in the end? The legal pension is more complex than many think.
In order to be able to juggle not only with numbers, but also plan well, in this article we go through point by point how your pension is composed, which the tax office wants from which deductions are realistic – and why, despite everything, additional provision remains so decisive.
This is how the system works with the pension points
The legal pension is based on a simple principle: the point system.
Every year that they worked as an employee and in which they gained the average income of all insured persons brings you exactly a pension point. In 2025, this average income is € 50,493 gross a year – that is around € 4,207 per month. Earn more in one year, collect proportionately more points.
Earn less, accordingly less. These points add up for many years – and they are the basis for their later pension payment.
One point is not a euro amount, but is re -evaluated annually. For 2025, the so -called pension value is € 40.76 – this is the amount that one pension point is worth per month. Anyone who has collected 45 points comes to a monthly gross dent of € 1,834.20 (€ 45 × 40.76 €).
But that’s just the gross sum – and the reality often looks much more differentiated.
| Gross annual income | Pension points per year | Monthly pension per year (gross) |
|---|---|---|
| 25,000 € | 0.50 | € 20.38 × 12 = 244.56 € |
| 35,000 € | 0.69 | € 28.12 × 12 = € 337.44 |
| 45,000 € | 0.89 | € 36.28 × 12 = 435.36 € |
| 50,493 € (average) | 1.00 | 40.76 € × 12 = € 489.12 |
| 60,000 € | 1.19 | € 48.51 × 12 = 582.12 € |
| 70,000 € | 1.39 | € 56.66 × 12 = € 679.92 |
| 80,000 € | 1.58 | 64.40 € × 12 = € 772.80 |
| 90,000 € | 1.78 | 72.55 € × 12 = € 870.60 |
Not everyone with 45 years of contribution also gets 45 points
The invoice with the € 1,834.20 requires that you have always reached average earnings for 45 years.
In practice, this is rarely the case. According to statistics, around 72 % of the long -term insured persons were 45 years of contribution below this average. The actual average pension for this group is € 1,604 a month.
In addition, in East Germany the pensions are around € 192 lower – even today, the differences in wages and contributions from the past still have a significant impact.
When you get more or less pension: the access factor
Another point that many overlook: the so -called access factor has a noticeable effect on the pension height.
Anyone who stops working before the official retirement age – for example at 63 instead of 67 – gets discounts. And 0.3 % for each month of early pension, a maximum of 14.4 %. On the other hand, if you work longer, you get surcharges of 0.5 % per month – up to 24 % more are included.
Calculation example: If you retire exactly two years earlier, your monthly pension is reduced from € 1,834.20 to € 1,701.34. That is around € 133 less – every month, in the long run.
Gross tores are not equally net – what the tax office and the health insurance company withdraws
Many make the mistake of confusing their gross density with the amount that actually ends up on the account.
But there are some posts that are removed from it – and not too scarce.
Since the switch to the so -called downstream taxation in 2005, a large part of the pension has been taxable. In 2025 it is 83.5 %. This means: from your gross duck of € 1,834.20 a month (that’s € 22,010.40 a year), € 18,379.68 must be taxed. According to flat rates, a taxable income of € 18,241.68 remains. This is about € 1,987 income tax per year.
In addition, there are contributions to health and long-term care insurance. The health insurance of the pensioners is in 2025 with an average rate of 10.15 % including additional contribution, nursing care insurance at 3.6 % for childless.
Let’s count that completely from:
-
health insurance: 22,010.40 € × 10.15 % = € 2,234.05
-
Long -term care insurance: 22,010.40 € × 3.6 % = € 792.37
-
Income tax: approx. 1,987 €
In the end, this results in a net dent of round € 1,416.41 a month.
How do you do 45 pension points in comparison?
The legal pension is clearly regulated in theory – but reality is more diverse.
Compared to the real average pension of long -term insured (€ 1,604 gross), the theoretical maximum trente with 45 points is significantly higher. But not everyone achieves this. For example, women are significantly below: € 1,228 in the west, € 1,103 in the east. Men cut off better, but they also rarely reach the 45 points.
Self -employed people are often worse: only 38 % voluntarily pay into the pension fund – the pensions are correspondingly lower.
What you can do to increase your pension
If you want to actively improve your pension, you have several options.
From the age of 50 you can voluntarily buy additional pension points – for example, to compensate for discounts or simply to increase your monthly payment. A pension point costs 2025 around € 9,392. If you buy five points, you pay around € 46,960, but get a permanent € 203.80 more per month. The investment pays for itself after about 19 years – this is particularly worthwhile if you assume that you stay healthy for a long time.
At the same time, you should think about private provision. ETF-based models with 7 % return, company pension scheme (average 287 € monthly pension) or self-used home ownership offer sensible additions to the statutory pension. One thing is clear: only relying on the statutory pension is usually not enough.
Pension and future: What else is there?
The statutory pension insurance faces major challenges.
For example, two contributors are currently financing a pensioner – 2035 will only be 1.5. That means: Without reforms, the contribution rate must increase significantly – up to 26.8 % in 2040, according to current forecasts.
That is why models such as citizen insurance (all numbers, including self -employed and civil servants) or a partial switch to capital -covered systems are discussed. At the same time, there is political efforts to stabilize the pension level at at least 48 %. But whether this succeeds depends on many factors.
Conclusion: 45 pension points are good – but not enough
With 45 pension points, you will reach a gross duck of € 1,834.20 in 2025 – you will remain a net after deductions about € 1,416.
This is solid, but by no means luxurious. If you want more than just the basis in old age, there is no way around private provision.
It is particularly crucial for younger workers to start early: If you permanently invest 10 % of your income in ETFs, company pensions or real estate, you create a stable second pillar next to the legal pension. And it is precisely this combination that brings financial security in the end – and a piece of freedom in retirement.