In short
When you are old, you need money to live on. The pension gap is what you are missing if you later get less than you need.
Last checked: 11 October 2026 · 4 min read · RenteKannMehr editorial team
Now in more detail
The pension gap (Rentenlücke) is the difference between the money you will probably need in retirement and what you expect from the statutory pension and other secure sources.
Why there is no single figure for everyone
How big the gap is depends on your working life, your lifestyle, your housing situation and other income. Someone who lives rent-free in old age needs less than someone with a high rent. That is why we do not name a blanket gap – and our calculator does not claim one either.
Four steps to your own estimate
- Estimate your needs: What do you spend today, which expenses will fall away in retirement, and which will be added?
- Read off your statutory pension: The pension statement (Renteninformation) from the German Pension Insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung) states the entitlements you have earned so far and a projection of them.
- Add other income: occupational pension, existing contracts, rental income.
- Bear deductions in mind: As a rule, taxes and contributions to health and long-term care insurance are due on pensions.
Do not forget purchasing power
The amounts in the pension statement are nominal values. What you will be able to afford with them in 30 years depends on how prices develop. More on this under Inflation and purchasing power.
From what you need to what you save
Once you know your approximate gap, you can use the calculator to try out what capital could be built up, in arithmetical terms, with what savings contribution. How much monthly pension this turns into depends on the form of payout – see Payout phase and taxation.
Free help
Talk to your personal adviser free of charge. They look at your situation and show you how you can close your gap – with no obligation.