When talking about salaries in Germany, attention is often focused on gross amounts. However, only after all legally prescribed contributions and taxes are deducted does it become clear how much money actually remains for the worker. It is precisely this net amount at the end of the month that plays a crucial role in the standard of living.

How much remains from a salary of 3,200 euros in a less favorable tax bracket?

The example of a worker who lives in Berlin, is single, and has no children clearly shows the structure of deductions. He belongs to tax class I, has mandatory health insurance, and does not pay church tax.

In his case, the following is deducted from the gross salary of 3,200 euros:

• Income tax: 355.08 euros
• Pension insurance: 297.60 euros
• Unemployment insurance: 41.60 euros
• Long-term care insurance: 76.80 euros
• Health insurance: 273.60 euros

Total deductions amount to approximately 1,044.68 euros, which means that the worker has about 2,155.32 euros net left at the end of the month.

If the person is a member of the church, then an additional approximately 31.95 euros is deducted, bringing the net amount down to 2,123.37 euros.

What is the amount in the case of a more favorable tax bracket?

Married workers whose partner does not earn or has a significantly lower income may belong to tax class III. In that case, the overall tax burden is lower.

For the same gross salary of 3,200 euros, the deductions look like this:

• Income tax: 82.66 euros
• Pension insurance: 297.60 euros
• Unemployment insurance: 41.60 euros
• Long-term care insurance: 76.80 euros
• Health insurance: 273.60 euros

A total of 772.26 euros is deducted, which means that in this case the worker has about 2,427.74 euros net left, provided that they do not pay church tax.

The difference between the net amount in tax class I and III is 304.37 euros per month, which clearly shows how much the tax class can affect actual income.

If the person in this class still pays church tax, an additional approximately 7.43 euros is deducted.