The German government has approved the largest minimum wage increase in the country’s history. Wages will increase in two stages over 2026 and 2027.
German government announces minimum wage increases
Germany’s CDU/CSU-SPD government has approved a two-stage minimum wage increase. In the first stage, on January 1, 2026, the national minimum wage will increase from 12,82 euros per hour to 13,90 euros per hour.
In the second stage, on January 1, 2027, the national minimum wage will increase again from 13,90 euros to 14,60 euros per hour. The increase was initially suggested by the Minimum Wage Commission in June and is the biggest in the history of minimum wages in Germany, which were only introduced in 2015.
Around six million people are employed in minimum-wage jobs in Germany. "Millions of employees will receive noticeably more for their work, and companies can responsibly spread the rising costs over two years," Labour Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD) said as the new wage was approved.
toontje18 on November 4th, 2025 at 21:10 UTC »
I prefer the Dutch system that doesn't rely on governments to increase the minimum wage manually. It is automatically matched with the average wage increase every 6 months. Minimum wage development is equal to that of the average income.
From 1 january 2026 it will be €14,71 (excluding the mandatory 8% holiday pay). That is around $20 PPP adjusted. Fair, simple, and reliable.
The social assistance benefit and state pension is also a percentage of the minimum wage so their change is matched to this number as well.
bonyponyride on November 4th, 2025 at 18:57 UTC »
Tom_You on November 4th, 2025 at 18:33 UTC »
Save everyone a read
From 1st Jan 2026 minimum increases 8.4% from €12.82 to €13.90
From 1st Jan 2027 minimum increases 5.0% from €13.90 to €14.60