The average pension received by long-term contributors in Germany has risen by more than a third over the past decade, new figures show. 

Pension benefits in Germany up 34 percent in 10 years

Average pensions in Germany have increased significantly over the past 10 years, RND reports, citing figures from the Deutsche Rentenversicherung. Accordingly, 10 years ago, newly-retired people who had contributed to social security for at least 35 years received an average of 962 euros per month. 

Most recently in 2020, someone entering retirement who had contributed for the same length of time received an average of 1.290 euros per month - 34 percent more than in 2010. In the western federal states the average increase is 29 percent. In the eastern states it is as high as 50 percent. 

The figures show how significantly the situation has improved for pensioners in Germany, particularly in the eastern federal states. “This positive development strengthens the state pension as a central pillar of old-age security in Germany,” said a spokesperson for the RND.

2021 first year since 2010 that pensions did not go up

According to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung, the increase is the result of rising pension benefits in recent years. Indeed, 2021 marks the first year since 2010 that pensions have not increased in western Germany (they increased only marginally in the eastern federal states), as a result of negative development of salaries during the coronavirus pandemic. 

This year is likely to remain an exception. Pensions are expected to rise once again in 2022, by as much as five percent. “If wages rise as expected this year, there will probably be positive pension adjustment again next year,” said Anja Piel, a chairperson at the Deutsche Rentenversicherung.