Germany Moves Toward €15 Minimum Wage by 2026

The Minimum Wage Commission adopts a guideline aligning with the EU's 60% median wage benchmark, while studies emphasize the urgency of the increase.

Germany's minimum wage is set to rise from €12.82 to approximately €15 by 2026, aligning with 60% of the median wage as recommended by the EU directive.
The Hans-Böckler-Stiftung and OECD studies indicate that a €15 minimum wage is already warranted in 2025 to meet the benchmark.
The Minimum Wage Commission has adopted a new guideline to incorporate the 60% median wage target in its calculations starting in 2026.
Historical shortfalls in Germany's minimum wage have primarily offset inflation but lagged behind productivity and wage growth, according to researchers.
The European Court of Justice is expected to rule on the legality of the EU minimum wage directive in May 2025, potentially influencing future policy decisions.