Share of working German pensioners edges higher in 2025

The share of younger pensioners in Germany who continue to work after retiring increased last year, official data showed on Wednesday.

Around 14% of people aged 65 to 74 who received a pension said they were also working in 2025, up from 13% a year earlier, according to Germany's Federal Statistical Office.

Some 27% of working pensioners described themselves as self-employed.

Among employees, 65% were in so-called "mini-jobs," in which they worked no more than 70 days a year and earn up to €556 ($641) a month under the threshold in force at the time.

Self-employed pensioners were also more likely to work longer hours. Around 28% said they worked more than 40 hours a week, compared with 8% of employees.

Employment was most common immediately after retirement. Among pensioners aged 65 and 66, 19% were still working, compared with 8% among those aged 73 and 74.

Older people with higher levels of education were also more likely to remain in work, with an employment rate of 18%, compared with 12% for those with a medium level of education and 10% for those with lower educational attainment.

In a separate survey conducted by the agency in 2023, one-third of working pensioners said financial reasons motivated them to remain in work. Many also cited enjoyment of their job or the desire to stay socially connected.