What does expat.fyi do?

expat.fyi explains German official letters in plain English — what they mean, who sent them, and exactly what you need to do next. Upload your letter and get a clear explanation instantly.

How much does it cost?

It costs €2.99 per letter. There is no subscription or monthly fee. You only pay when you use it.

Yes. Your letter is processed and never stored. expat.fyi is GDPR compliant by design — no document is retained after the explanation is generated.

Do I need an account?

No. There is no account, login, or registration required. Upload your letter, pay, and get your explanation.

What types of German letters can it explain?

expat.fyi can explain a wide range of German official letters including tax notices (Steuerbescheid), health insurance letters (Krankenkasse), residence permit notices (Aufenthaltstitel), Anmeldung confirmation letters, Mahnung (payment reminders), and most letters from German government agencies and authorities.

What does Brutto and Netto mean in Germany?

Brutto (gross) is your salary before any deductions. Netto (net) is what actually lands in your bank account after income tax and social security contributions are taken out. The gap between the two in Germany is significant, typically 35 to 45% of gross pay goes to taxes and contributions.

What is Steuerklasse and which one applies to me?

Steuerklasse (tax class) is a code the tax office assigns that affects how much income tax is withheld from your pay each month. Single employees without children use Class 1. Married couples often split between Class 3 (the higher earner) and Class 5 (the lower earner). Class 6 is for second jobs.

Why is so much deducted from my German salary?

Germany has a comprehensive social insurance system. On top of income tax, employees contribute to pension insurance (Rentenversicherung), unemployment insurance (Arbeitslosenversicherung), public health insurance (Krankenversicherung), and long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung). Each is 1 to 9% of gross, and they add up quickly.

What is Krankenversicherung and do I have to pay it?

Krankenversicherung (KV) is health insurance. Everyone in Germany must have it. Employees earning below the annual income threshold (€73,800 in 2026) must join the public system (GKV). Higher earners can opt for private insurance (PKV) but must arrange their own coverage and pay the premium directly.

What is Pflegeversicherung?

Pflegeversicherung (PV) is long-term care insurance. It covers residential and home nursing care if you need it later in life. It is mandatory for all employees. Those without children over age 23 pay a higher rate (2.4% vs 1.8%) as a surcharge.

Does the Solidaritätszuschlag (Soli) still apply in 2026?

Almost never. The solidarity surcharge was largely abolished in 2021. In 2026 it only applies if your annual income tax exceeds €18,130, a threshold that affects only higher earners. The vast majority of employees pay €0 Soli.

Do I have to pay church tax in Germany even if I'm not religious?

Possibly, and many expats discover this the hard way. When you registered your German address (Anmeldung), you were asked for your religion. If you selected Catholic or Protestant, or if your form was processed with a religious affiliation assumed from your home country, church tax (Kirchensteuer) will be deducted from your salary automatically. The only way to stop it is a formal Kirchenaustritt (church exit declaration) at your local Standesamt, which costs around €30 and takes about 20 minutes. Until then, your employer withholds it without asking. Check your payslip for "KiSt", that is the one.

Free Calculator

German Salary Calculator 2026 — Brutto to Netto

German employees typically take home about 60 to 70% of their gross salary after income tax and mandatory social insurance. The exact figure depends on your Steuerklasse, health insurance type, and whether you pay church tax. Enter your details below for a personalized 2026 estimate.

Enter your gross pay — see your estimated take-home in seconds.

Last updated: 15 July 2026

Your details

Gross monthly salary (€)

Steuerklasse (Tax class)

Most employees. You're single, divorced, or widowed — or married but your spouse lives abroad. Example: You just moved to Germany for a job, no partner here.

Health insurance

Breakdown per month

Gross salary€3,500.00

Income tax (Lohnsteuer)−€553.52

Solidarity surcharge−€0.00

Church tax−€0.00

Social contributions

Pension (RV)−€325.50

Unemployment (ALV)−€45.50

Health insurance (KV)−€322.00

Care insurance (PV)−€84.00

Net salary (estimate)€2,169.48

Estimate only. Exact net pay depends on individual tax circumstances, employer deductions, and benefit contributions. For professional tax advice, consult a Steuerberater.

Frequently asked questions

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expat.fyi explains German official letters in plain English — from €2.99.