What comes off your gross salary in Germany
Two kinds of deductions: taxes and social insurance. Taxes are income tax (Lohnsteuer), the solidarity surcharge (Solidaritätszuschlag, which most people no longer pay) and church tax (Kirchensteuer, only if you are registered with a church that levies it). Social insurance is pension (9.3% for you), unemployment (1.3%), health (7.3% plus half of your fund’s extra rate) and long-term care insurance. Each insurance stops rising above a monthly ceiling.
Tip for newcomers: when you register your address, you are asked about your religion. If you answer that you belong to a church that levies church tax, 8–9% of your income tax is added on top. People of other faiths, including Muslims, and people with no religion pay no church tax.
Which tax class am I in?
Class 1: single. Class 2: single parent living with a child. Class 3 and 5: married couples where one earns much more (3 for the higher earner, 5 for the other). Class 4: married with similar incomes. Class 6: a second job. Married couples can switch classes once a year; our couple calculator shows which combination gives the household more each month.
Frequently asked questions
What is the “Zusatzbeitrag”?
An extra health insurance rate each fund (Krankenkasse) sets itself; the average in 2026 is 2.9%. You pay half, your employer pays half. It is on your fund’s website or your payslip.
How accurate is the result?
It follows the official 2026 tax tariff and contribution rates and is usually within a few euros of a payslip for classes 1–4. Classes 5 and 6 use a documented approximation and can be slightly off. Your Lohnabrechnung is the final word.
Why does having children change my net pay?
People aged 23 or over without children pay a higher long-term care insurance rate. Children do not reduce the monthly income tax here; that benefit comes through Kindergeld or the child allowance in your tax return.
Is my salary saved?
No. Everything is calculated in your browser and nothing is sent or stored.
Sources
An estimate for employees with statutory health insurance, not tax advice. Your payslip may differ because of individual allowances. Disclaimer.