In Germany, 14 percent of people aged 65 to 74 reported working alongside their old-age pension in the past year, according to the German Federal Statistical Office (Statistisches Bundesamt). This is an increase from 13 percent the year prior. source_ref:1,2

The reported figures stem from the 2025 Mikrozensus, an annual sample survey in Germany that interviews approximately one percent of the population. source_ref:16,17

Employment structure and hours

The majority of retirees (73 percent) worked as dependent employees, while 27 percent of working retirees were self-employed. source_ref:3,18

Working hours varied significantly across roles. Among the working retiree group, 65 percent worked less than 20 hours per week, and 40 percent worked less than ten hours per week. A total of 13 percent of the age cohort reported engaging in full-time employment. source_ref:14,15,19

Among self-employed retirees, 28 percent reported working more than 40 hours per week, compared to only 8 percent of dependent employees. source_ref:5,6

Among dependent employees, 65 percent were marginally employed (geringfügig beschäftigt), defined by a maximum of 70 working days per year and a monthly income of at most 556 euros. source_ref:4

Demographics and education

Employment rates among retirees decrease with age; 19 percent of those aged 65 and 66 had a job, while the rate for those aged 73 and 74 was 8 percent. source_ref:7

Education levels also influenced employment rates, with 18 percent of retirees with a high level of education working, compared to 12 percent with a medium level and 10 percent with a low level. source_ref:8

Regarding gender, 16 percent of men of retirement age were employed, compared to 11 percent of women. source_ref:11

Motivations and government policy

Motives for remaining in the workforce were mixed. In a 2023 survey, 33 percent of working retirees cited financial motives, while many others frequently cited the joy of work or the desire to remain socially integrated. source_ref:9,10

To address labor needs, the German Federal Government introduced the 'Aktivrente', which allows retirees to earn up to 2,000 euros tax-free if they choose to continue working voluntarily. The government aims to use this measure to combat the shortage of skilled workers. source_ref:12,13