German unemployment benefit on €5,000 gross (2026)
Benefit by tax class at €5,000
| Tax class | no child (60%) | with child (67%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | €1,902.90 | €2,124.90 |
| 2 | €1,973.10 | €2,203.50 |
| 3 | €2,129.70 | €2,378.10 |
| 4 | €1,902.90 | €2,124.90 |
| 5 | €1,605.30 | €1,792.50 |
Monthly figures for 30 days. The tax class at the start of the year the claim arises is what counts.
How the amount is built
| Assessed pay per day (€5,000 × 12 / 365) | €164.38 |
|---|---|
| Social insurance flat rate 20% | €32.88 |
| Wage tax and solidarity per day (class I) | €25.79 |
| Benefit base per day | €105.71 |
| Benefit per day (60%) | €63.43 |
The employment agency does not use your real net pay but flat-rate deductions: 20% for social insurance plus wage tax for your tax class, without church tax, so your health insurer and church membership make no difference. Your own figures, including holiday and Christmas pay, are in the unemployment benefit calculator.
How long it is paid
| Age when unemployed | Maximum |
|---|---|
| under 50 | 12 months |
| from 50 | 15 months |
| from 55 | 18 months |
| from 58 | 24 months |
You need enough insured periods in the last five years to qualify for the longer durations.
Your current net pay at this salary: €5,000 a month after tax.
Other gross salaries
Frequently asked questions
How much unemployment benefit do I get on €5,000 gross?
€1,902.90 a month in tax class I, €2,124.90 with a child. In tax class III it is €2,129.70 without a child.
Is the benefit taxed?
It is tax-free but subject to the progression clause, which raises the rate on your other income in the same year.
Do I qualify as a foreign worker?
Yes, if you paid German unemployment insurance for at least 12 months in the last 30 months and are registered as unemployed and available for work.
Calculated per Sections 149 to 153 SGB III, checked against the Federal Employment Agency's 2026 self-calculation. Updated 2026-11-04.