🇩🇪German Net Salary Calculator (Brutto-Netto)

German Gross-to-Net Salary Calculator 2025 — calculate take-home pay

This free calculator estimates your net salary in Germany for 2025. Enter your gross salary (monthly or annual), choose your tax class and whether you pay church tax — the calculator deducts income tax, the solidarity surcharge and all four social insurance contributions (pension, health, long-term care, unemployment) and shows your monthly and annual net pay.

The result is an approximate estimate. The calculator uses simplified assumptions based on §32a EStG and the 2025 contribution rates — it does not compute individual allowances, the income-related expense lump sum or special tax situations. The binding figures are those on your employer's payslip or the tax office assessment.

All calculations run locally in your browser — no data is sent to any server.

Components of a German salary: what is deducted?

The following items are deducted from gross salary in Germany: (1) Income tax (Lohnsteuer) based on tax class and the §32a EStG schedule; (2) Solidarity surcharge — 5.5% of income tax, equals zero for most earners; (3) Church tax — 8% or 9% of income tax, only for church members; (4) Pension insurance employee share 9.3% (BBG EUR 96,600/year); (5) Unemployment insurance 1.3%; (6) Health insurance 7.3% plus half the supplementary rate (BBG EUR 66,150/year); (7) Long-term care insurance 1.8% base, +0.6% for childless employees over 23, with a reduction from the second child onwards.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between gross and net salary in Germany?

Gross salary is the contractually agreed amount before any deductions. Net salary is what actually lands in your bank account after deducting income tax (Lohnsteuer), the solidarity surcharge (Soli), any church tax, and the employee contributions to social insurance (pension, health, long-term care, unemployment).

How do German tax classes (Steuerklassen) work?

Germany has 6 tax classes. Class I is the standard for singles; Class II for single parents; Class III for the higher-earning spouse in a married couple; Class IV for married couples with similar incomes; Class V for the lower-earning spouse (used alongside III); Class VI for a second job. The tax class directly affects the monthly income tax withholding.

Does this calculator account for all deductions?

No. The calculator uses simplified assumptions and does not factor in the standard income-related expense lump sum (Werbungskosten-Pauschbetrag, EUR 1,230/year), individual tax allowances, bonuses, or employer-specific schemes. The result is indicative only.

What is the solidarity surcharge (Soli)?

The solidarity surcharge is 5.5% of the income tax owed. Since 2021 most employees are fully exempt: Soli only applies when the annual income tax exceeds the threshold of around EUR 18,130 (2025). In practice this means Soli equals zero for most average earners.

How does the number of children affect long-term care insurance?

Childless employees over the age of 23 pay a 0.6% surcharge on top of the base rate. From the second child onwards, the contribution is reduced by 0.25% per additional child, up to a maximum reduction of 1.0% (five or more children). The base employee rate is 1.8%.

Is this result considered tax advice?

No. The result is for orientation only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. The binding calculation is prepared by your employer or the tax office (Finanzamt). If in doubt, consult a qualified tax adviser (Steuerberater).