When it comes to saving, almost no one can fool the Germans. But in other countries people often make more of their money. That should change in this country too.
Wiesbaden/Berlin. People in Germany continue to save almost like world champions - even if the gross savings rate has recently fallen slightly. Last year, private households in this country saved 18.9 percent of their disposable income, as the Federal Statistical Office announced. That was significantly higher than the EU average of 14.3 percent. In 2024, however, the gross savings rate in Germany was still 19.6 percent.
Last year, the Germans in Europe were only surpassed by the Swiss, who had a gross savings rate of 27.4 percent. However, private pension provision is much more important there than in this country.
According to the information, private households in Italy saved particularly little in the European Union in 2025, with a savings rate of 10.8 percent. This puts them almost at the same level as high-spending Americans, who only set aside 10.7 percent of their income for later.
The statisticians use the gross savings rate for the international comparison because this is the only comparable data available, as the Federal Office explains. This takes into account what households put from their disposable income into savings accounts or invest in the stock market, for example, as well as newly acquired entitlements in company pension schemes.
In addition, depreciation, especially on real estate, is not deducted from the gross savings rate. This refers to the so-called depletion of substance, i.e. the gradual loss of value of an apartment you use or rent due to wear and tear and ageing.
The gross savings rate in Germany reached a high of 22.9 percent in 2020: During the corona pandemic, many people had more money left over than in normal times because, for example, vacation trips were canceled and leisure facilities were temporarily closed.
People in Germany are known for saving a comparatively large amount of money. The net savings rate is usually between 10 and 11 percent, meaning that for every 100 euros of disposable income, at least 10 euros are saved on average. According to the latest publication by the Federal Office, this savings rate in this country was 10.1 percent in 2025; according to preliminary calculations, the figure for the first half of 2026 is 11.1 percent.
However, analyzes repeatedly show that investors in other countries make more of their money: because they rely less on overnight and fixed-term deposits, which often only bring in little interest, and instead invest more in the stock market.
The latest “Wealth Barometer” from the German Savings Banks and Giro Association (DSGV) confirms that many people in Germany have hardly used the opportunities offered by the capital markets to build long-term wealth.
Three quarters (75 percent) of the more than 4,800 respondents consider regular saving to be important or very important. But only a third (35 percent) are pursuing a specific savings or investment plan. 28 percent said they currently owned stocks or other securities. The main reason given by those who avoid the stock market is the fear of not being able to assess risks (37 percent).
With the new retirement savings account, the state wants to introduce more people in Germany to the capital market from January. Savers can then invest in ETFs, stock funds and bonds with government support. The idea is that people can make more provisions for their old age by investing in the stock market.
