- Your payslip shows gross pay, taxes, social insurance and net pay.
- Social insurance covers health, care, pension and unemployment.
- The general health insurance rate is 14.6%, plus an additional rate set by your insurer.
- Church tax applies only if you are registered with a church that collects it.
Your first German payslip can be a shock: the net amount is much lower than the gross salary in your contract. Here is where the money goes.
The main lines
Social insurance
You and your employer share the cost of the four social insurances. For health insurance, the general rate is 14.6% of your salary up to a ceiling, plus an additional rate set by your insurer. The average additional rate for 2027 is 2.9%. Contributions stop growing above the contribution ceilings, which change every year. Read my 2027 figures.
What to check every month
- Tax class and ID. A wrong tax class means wrong deductions.
- Church tax. If you see Kirchensteuer and you are not a church member, ask HR and check your registration.
- Days and hours. Especially in your first and last month.
- Benefits. Meal vouchers, transport tickets or company pension appear as separate lines.
Common questions
Why is my first payslip lower?
Often because you started mid month, or because your tax class was not set yet and a higher class was used.
Do I get pension contributions back if I leave Germany?
It depends on your nationality and social security agreements. Ask the German Pension Insurance before you decide.
Is the 13th salary common?
Some contracts include it, especially with collective agreements. It is not a legal right.
I moved to Germany for my master's, collected more than 1,000 rejections, and then got multiple job offers within six months. I work in digital marketing in Germany and help international professionals get hired in Europe. Read my story.
