Skip to content

German early retirement at 63 — earliest start and pension reduction

With a 35-year qualifying period the old-age pension can start early from age 63; each month before the pension age lowers the access factor by 0.003, so the pension by 0.3 per cent — at most 14.4 per cent over four years. With 45 years there is an unreduced pension from its own age (65 for those born from 1964), but it cannot be drawn early.

2026 rules — verified on September 23, 2026Free, no account

This content is part of the path: Retiring· Step 3 of 11· Next step: German state pension from pension points — the SGB VI s. 64 formula

Your result

Fill in the fields, then run the calculation: the full breakdown appears here, free of charge.

Sources and assumptions

Calculation assumptions

  • You enter the years counting towards the 35- and 45-year qualifying periods; which periods count (SGB VI s. 51) is confirmed by the pension insurance.
  • The unreduced monthly pension is taken from your pension statement. Starting earlier also means missing contributions up to the pension age — which lowers the pension further and is not calculated here.
  • The old-age pension for severely disabled people, and the exceptions for partial retirement agreed before 2007 or mining adjustment payments, are not calculated.
  • Birth years from 1950 are covered; earlier years follow different tables.

Go further

Related calculators

Neighbouring calculations: the other side of the same decision, or the step that follows.

Read in German

This result is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute personalised tax advice. Check your situation with the tax authorities or a professional.