Short answer
With 35 insured years the pension can start at 63 with a permanent deduction of 0.3 percent for each month before the regular age, at most 14.4 percent. With 45 years it starts at 65 without a deduction. Since 2023 there is no limit on what you may earn alongside a pension.Retiring before the regular age Germany
Can I retire early, and what does it cost?
The two routes into a state pension before the regular retirement age, and what each one costs, for people born from 1964.After 35 years: from 63, with a deduction
The pension for long-insured people (§ 236 SGB VI) can start at 63. Every month before the regular retirement age of 67 costs 0.3 percent of the pension, for life: four years early is 14.4 percent less, every month, for good.
After 45 years: at 65, without one
The pension for particularly long-insured people (§ 236b SGB VI) starts two years before the regular age without a deduction. The 'Rente mit 63' was this pension for people born before 1953; for those born from 1964 it begins at 65.
Earning alongside
Since 2023 a pension before the regular age may be combined with any amount of pay without being reduced. Past the regular age, the Aktivrente has made up to 2,000 euro a month of pay tax-free since 2026.
Bridging the years
Stopping work earlier than the pension starts needs savings to cover the gap, and contributions to health insurance in those years. The pension calculator estimates the pension and its deduction; the full simulator can plan the bridge.