German Gross-to-Net Salary Calculator
Calculate your exact take-home pay in Germany. Enter your gross salary and instantly see your net income after all taxes and social contributions.
Enter your monthly gross salary before deductions
Affects church tax rate (8% in Bavaria & Baden-Württemberg, 9% elsewhere)
Childless surcharge applies from age 23
Reduces care insurance rate
Enter your salary details
Fill in the form and click calculate to see your net salary breakdown.
How German salary deductions work
When you receive a salary in Germany, several deductions are automatically taken before you receive your net pay (Nettolohn). Understanding these deductions helps you plan your finances and ensures there are no surprises when you receive your first payslip.
Income tax (Lohnsteuer) is calculated using a progressive system defined in §32a of the German Income Tax Act (EStG). In 2026, the first €12,348 of your annual income is tax-free (Grundfreibetrag). Above this threshold, rates start at 14% and progressively increase to 42% for income over €69,878, with a top rate of 45% for income exceeding €277,825.
Social contributions are shared equally between you and your employer. As an employee, you pay 9.3% for pension insurance (up to the contribution ceiling of €8,400/month), approximately 8.75% for health insurance (7.3% base + average 2.9% additional contribution, split 50/50), 1.3% for unemployment insurance, and 1.8–2.4% for long-term care insurance depending on your age and number of children under 25.
Church tax only applies if you are a registered member of a tax-collecting religious organisation. The rate is 8% of your income tax in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, and 9% in all other federal states. You can avoid this tax by officially leaving your religious organisation (Kirchenaustritt).
The solidarity surcharge (Solidaritätszuschlag) was largely abolished in 2021. You only pay it if your annual income tax exceeds €20,350 (2026), and even then there is a gradual phase-in zone before the full 5.5% rate applies.