If you get 4,000 euros gross on legal pension, you have done everything right in the German system – at least from the perspective of the contributions years and pension points.
A pension at this height is far above the cut and is more of the exception than the rule.
As always, the exciting question is: what is actually left in the account in the end? Because pensioners also pay taxes and social security contributions. And that can be more than you think.
Only 83.5 % of the legal pension are also taxable
In Germany, the principle of downstream taxation applies to the pension.
That means: While you have not paid taxes on the pension contributions in working life, you will be taxed on the payment in retirement.
And not complete, but only proportionate – as high this proportion is depends on the year of pension. Anyone who retires in 2025 must 83.5 % Tax on his gross duck. And of course that is clearly noticeable at 4,000 euros a month.
Invoice:
€ 4,000 gross x 83.5 % = 3,340 € taxable per month
That is € 3,340 x 12 = 40,080 € taxable
But don’t panic – this amount is not the taxable income. Because pensioners also have allowances.
Deductions: basic allowance and flat rates
In 2025 the basic tax allowance is included 12,096 € annually – This is the amount that is entitled to everyone.
In addition, there are two small flat rates:
Let’s calculate that cleanly:
40,080 € taxable
– 12,096 € Basic allowance
– 138 € Blanket
= 27,846 € taxable income
And income tax is now due on this amount – according to the normal progressive tax rate.
How much net is a gross torment of 4,000 euros?
For 27,846 € taxable income In 2025 a tax load of about € 4,150 annually on – that corresponds to monthly 346 €.
The effective tax rate is scarce 14.9 %. This is not a top tax rate – but at 4,000 euros pension a decent chill.
So: sometimes € 346 less a month – but unfortunately it doesn’t stop there.
Social insurance: This is also going on
Yes, also on the statutory pension contributions to Health and long-term care insurance due. And directly from the gross amount, not only after taxes.
Health insurance:
Invoice: € 4,000 x 10.15 % = 406 € KV contribution monthly
Nursing insurance:
Intermediate stand:
Net dent: that remains in the end of the account
So now it is counted together:
€ 4,000 gross
– € 346 income tax
– 406 € health insurance
– 136 € nursing insurance
= 3,112 € net
That means: from 4,000 euros gross duck stay under the current conditions Around € 3,112 net per month left over. So you pay the year 10,656 € Only for tax and social security contributions – although they no longer have any “work income”.
Welcome to the German tax and pension system.
Comparison: How high is a 4,000 euro pension in comparison?
The average statutory gross dent in Germany is currently included € 1,604.
In men it is 1,728 €in women € 1,316. Netto mostly remain around them 1,500 € In men and € 1,170 In women. A 4,000 euro pension is therefore 2.5 times The standard pension – this is above average and can only be reached with very consistently high income or additional provision (e.g. company pension scheme).
What can you do to optimize your net dents?
Even if your gross dent looks good at first – it is really crucial what is in the account at the end of the month.
And that’s exactly where they have more scope than many think. Because there are a few rather concrete levers with which they are theirs Lower deductions And theirs Net Can improve noticeably. Not all of this is possible for everyone – but if you take a little targeted, a few hundred to a thousand euros more can pay off in the year.
Health and long-term care insurance: Compare tariffs is worthwhile
The contribution to health insurance often accounts for the largest chunks in pension deductions – and it not only depends on the general contribution rate, but also on the additional contribution of your health insurance company. This is an average of 1.6 %, but can also be 0.8 %. Sounds like a little – but is a difference of 32 euros at 4,000 euros gross duck monthly. And they notice it.
There are also differences in long -term care insurance: if they childless are, pay 2025 3.4 %with at least three children This reduces this 3.05 % – also makes a noticeable difference in the monthly contribution. It is worth checking, especially if your family status has changed.
Optimize tax initial situation
If you are married, it is often worth taking a look at the so -called Pension splitting. Pension claims between the spouses can be divided – particularly useful if a partner receives significantly more pension than the other. As a result, the tax load can distribute itself more evenly and the bottom line is that there is more to both.
If you live abroad or are planning a move, you can get even more out with the residence in a country with lower tax rates. Here, however, you should find out exactly how this collects tax and social security law – keyword double taxation agreement.
Buy pension points in a targeted manner
If you have gaps in your pension biography or plan, to retire prematurelyyou can use the Removing pension points ponder. In 2025 one point costs about 9,392 euros – This increases your gross tores by short 40.79 euros per month. This pays off in the long term, especially if you can avoid discounts. Important: The after -purchase is not worth it for everyone – but if you already have capital available, it is a stable addition to old -age provision.
Do not forget additional provision
Honestly: even with a good pension, what remains net is rarely luxurious. And if you really want to get air, you should not just rely on the legal pension. One Private additional provision – z. B. over one ETF savings planone Company pension scheme or property – brings flexibility and additional security.
An ETF savings plan with 200 euros per month over 30 years can be a capital of approximately with an average of 7 % return up to retirement 240,000 euros build up – which at least with 4 % withdrawal 1,000 euros in additional pension per month corresponds. You have to let that melt on your tongue – and start as early as possible.
View of the future: What will change from 2026?
You should keep an eye on a few things:
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The Pension allowance sinks by 1 % every year – that is, from 2026 new pensioners have to 84.5 % tax the pension.
-
The KV contribution rate Could according to forecasts 10.3 % rise – even higher deductions.
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The Basic allowance Should on 12,420 € to be raised – a small balance, but nothing that tears out.
Conclusion: 4,000 € pension sounds like luxury – but net remains less than many think
If you retire with 4,000 euros gross, you are among the better earners in the pension system.
But even with such a proud sum, the bottom line is “only” round 3,112 € net Leaf – a quarter less. The reason for this are the classic three trigger blocks: Tax,, health insurance and Long -term care insurance. Depending on the personal constellation, this can also vary again.
If you take your pension planning seriously, you should not only look at the gross sum, but also keep an eye on the net – and over in good time over Additional provision ponder.
Because one thing is certain: Without a clever planning, even the most beautiful number on paper is often not enough for everyday life in retirement.