German lawmakers back monthly state pension contributions for children, with families able to add more

Germany's Bundestag backs a plan to give money toward private retirement savings to children aged six to 18

Critics warn the scheme could widen inequality because wealthier families can afford to make much larger contributions

Jewish student representatives say they have received death threats after blocking a far-right lawmaker from a synagogue commemoration

The students defended their protest at an event marking seven years since an antisemitic attack on a synagogue in Halle

Here is a roundup of top stories from and about Germany on Monday, August 10, 2026:

Germany's parliament has approved a scheme giving children aged six to 18 a monthly state payment of €10 ($11) toward private retirement savings. The legislation still needs approval from the Bundesrat, which represents Germany's states.

Lawmakers from the governing conservatives and center-left Social Democrats (SPD) hailed the decision as historic. Michael Thews of the SPD said it would help many people build adequate retirement savings.

Fritz Güntzler, finance spokesperson for the center-right Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU), said the scheme would also introduce young people to the opportunities offered by capital markets.

Opposition lawmakers argued that it would deepen inequality because parents and grandparents can contribute up to €6,840 ($7,500) a year.

Stefan Schmidt of the environmentalist Greens called it a two-tier system, saying children who won the "parent lottery" could gain far more than a modest start to retirement saving.

The scheme is part of the government's broader pension reform agenda as Germany's aging population puts pressure on the state retirement system.

Guten Tag from the DW newsroom in Bonn.

You join us as news comes in that children in Germany are about to start saving for retirement before most have even started thinking about their first job.

The idea is to give young people a head start in building up a pension, with the money invested over decades.

Meanwhile, Jewish student representatives in Germany say they have been receiving death threats after confronting a far-right politician at a synagogue commemoration.

Stay with us here for these stories and more of what Germany is talking about today.