Overview

• An Allensbach poll conducted August 1–14 finds 84% expect a higher retirement age and 78% anticipate lower future pensions, yet only 23% deem an age hike acceptable and 7% accept lower benefits.
• The coalition is advancing an “Aktivrente” that lets older workers earn up to €2,000 a month tax‑free, but the Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft estimates at least €2.8 billion in annual tax losses with uncertain labor effects.
• The Deutsche Rentenversicherung puts the 2025 standard pension at €1,836 gross per month for someone with 45 years of average earnings.
• Penalty‑free early retirement is available to those with 45 contribution years, with a fully deduction‑free claim at 63 only for people born before 1953; keeping a pension‑insured minijob can help reach the 45‑year threshold.
• From 2026 the special protection for severely disabled workers born in 1964 or later ends, so early claims can trigger permanent deductions that advocates warn will have lasting financial effects.