Worldwide comparison: Study: Only the Swiss save more than the Germans

When it comes to saving money, Germans are at the forefront in an international comparison. Almost a fifth of disposable income is saved. The rate has already decreased somewhat. Other countries are much more willing to consume.

People in Germany also saved an above-average amount last year. Private households saved 18.9 percent of their disposable income, as reported by the Federal Statistical Office. This meant that the gross savings rate was well above the EU average of 14.3 percent. The Germans were only surpassed in Europe by the Swiss, who saved 27.4 percent. However, private pension provision is much more important there than in this country.

France came third in terms of savings rate with a value of 17.8 percent, followed by the Netherlands (17.4 percent) and Austria (15.7 percent). Private households in Italy put aside particularly little money within the European Union, with a savings rate of 10.8 percent. This puts them almost at the level of high-spending Americans, who only save 10.7 percent of their income for later.

The savings stocking is getting thinner

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 private households put away from their disposable income, for example in savings accounts or invest in the stock market, 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.

According to Wiesbaden statisticians, the savings rate in Germany recently fell slightly. In the first half of 2026, as in the whole of 2025, it was 18.9 percent. In 2024 it was 19.6 percent. An international comparison, however, shows a different picture. In France, Italy and Austria, people's savings increased.

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. As the data shows, the savings rate in the Corona year was also at a record level across the EU at 18.29 percent.

The Federal Statistical Office presented the figures just in time for World Savings Day on October 30th. The day of action is intended to increase awareness of precautions and reserves. Many banks and savings banks are offering special promotions and offers this week.