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Survey Finds Only About Half of Workers in Germany Receive Christmas Bonuses

Tariff coverage is the strongest predictor of who gets a payment.

Overview

  • The WSI/Lohnspiegel online survey of 58,119 employees (Oct 2024–Sep 2025) reports a 51% payout rate, though the study is not representative.
  • Employees covered by collective agreements report bonuses far more often than those without such contracts (77% versus 41%).
  • Payouts range widely by sector and region, from about €250–€275 in agriculture in Bavaria and Mecklenburg‑Western Pomerania to €4,235 in North Rhine‑Westphalia’s chemical industry.
  • East–West differences persist, with regional agreements producing gaps of several hundred euros and in some construction cases over €1,000, while nationwide accords narrow disparities.
  • Eligibility depends on contracts or collective agreements, a three‑year practice can create entitlement, and payments are fully taxed as other income; official 2024 data show 85.8% of tariff workers received an average €2,987.