Pension points (Entgeltpunkte) are the basic unit for calculating the statutory pension in Germany. One point corresponds to one year of contributions at the annual average salary. In 2026, 1 pension point is worth 40.79 €/month (western states).
How are pension points accumulated?
For each year of contributions, you receive as many points as the ratio of your salary to the average annual salary (48,268 € in 2025). Example: annual gross of 48,268 € → 1.000 point; annual gross of 72,402 € → 1.500 points.
Pension calculation
Monthly pension = total points × access factor × point value. With 45 years at average salary (45 points), the pension in 2026 is approximately 1,836 €/month gross.
Sources: § 63 SGB VI, Deutsche Rentenversicherung.