Overview

• Official statistics obtained via Die Linke show average pensions differing by up to €644 a month across regions, with high male pensions in industrial West districts such as Böblingen (€1,743) and higher female pensions in many East cities, led by East Berlin (€1,374).
• Local reliance on basic security varies widely, from roughly 0.4–0.8 percent in Saalfeld‑Rudolstadt to about 12 percent in Offenbach, underscoring uneven old‑age incomes.
• Finanztip reports more than five million Riester contracts have been canceled to date, including nearly 220,000 from January to August 2025, as low typical payouts and repayment of subsidies drive record withdrawals.
• High fees weigh on many private annuities: Finanztip estimates average annual costs reduce effective returns by about 1.9 percentage points, leaving roughly €276,500 after 35 years on a €300 monthly plan versus about €388,000 in a low‑cost ETF scenario.
• Key 2025 rules and levers include an 83.5 percent taxable share for new statutory pensions with a €12,096 basic allowance, DRV payments at month‑end for post‑April 2004 starts, and options to boost income through the planned Aktivrente (tax‑free earnings up to €2,000 monthly after regular age), Teilrente, and voluntary contributions.