How net pay is calculated in Germany
German employers withhold wage tax (Lohnsteuer) according to your tax class and pay your share of the four social insurances directly. The calculator uses the official 2026 BMF payroll algorithm, so the tax matches what payroll software computes.
- Tax classes I–VI: I for singles, III/V or IV/IV for married couples, VI for a second job. Solidarity surcharge only applies to high incomes; church tax is 8% (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg) or 9% of the wage tax.
- Pension 9.3% and unemployment 1.3% up to €101,400 a year; health 7.3% plus half of your fund’s additional rate (2026 average 2.9%) and long-term care 1.8% (+0.6% if you are 23+ without children) up to €69,750.
- Privately insured? Enter your premium — the employer pays up to half, within the legal cap.
Converting a German hourly wage
In Germany paid holidays and public holidays are part of the normal wage, so an hourly rate converts directly: monthly gross = hourly rate × weekly hours × 13/3 (on average 4.33 weeks per month). From €603.01 to €2,000 a month (Midijob) reduced employee contributions apply; up to €603 (Minijob) there is no wage tax. The statutory minimum wage in 2026 is €13.90 per hour.