Berlin's rental prices slightly surpass the national average - Berlin Pension Slightly Above National Average
**Article Title: Berlin Pension Falls Short of Federal Average, Reinforcing Gender Disparity**
In a recent question posed to the Federal Government by Dietmar Bartsch of the Left Party, the average pension after 45 years of insurance in Berlin has come under scrutiny. The current average pension in Berlin stands at approximately 1,675 euros per month, slightly above the overall average pension in Germany, but significantly lower than in all western German states.
According to data, the overall average pension in Germany currently amounts to around 1,620-1,640 euros gross per month in 2025. However, this average varies significantly by region, with retirees in western Germany receiving an average of 1,663 euros, while those in eastern Germany, including Berlin, receive an average of 1,471 euros. This gap is narrowing due to a process of gradual pension equalization since 2018, with eastern pensions now at about 90-92% of the western pension level.
Berlin's lower pension average can be attributed to its location in the eastern part of Germany. Women in Berlin, too, face a lower pension compared to their counterparts in the west. While exact figures for women in Berlin are not readily available, given Berlin’s alignment with the eastern pension average and the national gender pension gap, it is reasonable to conclude that the average pension for women in Berlin is lower than the federal average for women, as well as lower than the overall Berlin average.
The gender pension gap is a recognized issue nationally, and combined with Berlin’s location in the eastern region, women pensioners there likely receive less than their counterparts in western Germany. Men in Berlin, on the other hand, receive an average pension of 1,751 euros, slightly higher than the federal average of 1,668 euros per month.
The issue of insufficient pensions for financial security in old age has been a concern for Dietmar Bartsch, who has criticized the statutory pension. He has asserted that a dignified life in old age is becoming increasingly unattainable for many, including in Berlin. Millions of pensioners in Germany, despite contributing to the strongest economy in Europe for decades, have to get by with low pensions.
In comparison, retirees in Hamburg enjoy the highest pension among all German states at 1,787 euros per month, while those in Thuringia receive the lowest pension at 1,491 euros per month. The pension after 45 years of insurance in Berlin is higher than in all five eastern German states, but it is still lower than in all western German states.
In conclusion, the average pension in Berlin is below the overall federal average due to its eastern location, and women in Berlin receive pensions that are significantly lower than the federal average pension for women, reflecting both regional and gender disparities in pension benefits. The Federal Government's response to Dietmar Bartsch's question about the pension in Berlin will provide insight into potential measures to address these disparities and ensure a dignified life for all pensioners in Germany.
- Intentions to address the gender disparity in pensions, particularly in Berlin, may be under consideration in the community policy discussions, as the average pension for women in Berlin is likely lower than the federal average for women.
- In light of the lower average pension in Berlin compared to the western German states, questions arise in the realm of politics regarding the need for vocational training programs that could potentially boost employability and, consequently, pension benefits, thereby fostering economic growth and business development in the region.
