Renteninformation — your German pension forecast

What is a Renteninformation?

A Renteninformation is an annual pension forecast from the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV). It shows how much statutory pension you could receive at the standard retirement age, based on contributions recorded so far.

Unlike a Bescheid, it does not order payment, set a deadline, or grant a legal entitlement for today. It is planning information — important, but not something you must pay or appeal like a tax or benefits decision.

Who sends it

The Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German pension insurance) sends Renteninformation to insured persons from age 27, usually once per year. The letterhead shows your regional DRV branch and your insurance number (Versicherungsnummer).

You can also view your account online via the DRV eservice portal with your electronic ID.

Not a payment demand — how it differs from a Bescheid

• Renteninformation — forecast and account summary; no immediate payment
• Bescheid (e.g. Arbeitslosengeld, Steuerbescheid) — binding decision with amounts owed or granted now

If you expected a pension payment letter or a back-payment notice, that would be a different document (e.g. Rentenbescheid when you actually claim pension).

Key figures on your statement

• Voraussichtliche Rente — projected monthly gross pension at standard retirement age (currently 67 for most cohorts)
• Entgeltpunkte — pension points earned from contributions and credits
• Versicherungsverlauf — year-by-year record of earnings and contribution periods
• Beitragsjahre — years with mandatory contributions (relevant for minimum insurance periods)
• Rentenalter — when you can claim without reductions vs early retirement with Abschläge (deductions)

The forecast assumes you continue earning at a similar level until retirement. A career break or higher future salary will change the outcome.

How Entgeltpunkte work

Each calendar year you earn Entgeltpunkte based on your insured income relative to the national average. One point roughly equals one average annual salary.

At retirement, total points are multiplied by the current aktueller Rentenwert (pension value per point) and adjusted for your chosen retirement age. More points and later retirement generally mean higher pension.

Reading the Versicherungsverlauf

The contribution history lists employers, self-employment periods, and special credits. Watch for:

• Lücken — gaps with no or low contributions
• Beitragsbemessungsgrenze — income above the ceiling still earns points, but only up to the cap
• Kindererziehungszeiten — childcare credit points for children born after certain dates
• Pflegezeiten — care credits for looking after relatives
• Periods abroad — may count if coordinated with other countries' systems

Contribution gaps and your pension gap

Years without contributions lower your points and the projected pension — sometimes called a Rentenlücke (pension gap). Common causes:

• Unemployment without sufficient contributions (Arbeitslosengeld periods may still earn some credit depending on rules)
• Long illness, Bürgergeld, or time outside the labour market
• Studies, mini-jobs below the threshold, or informal work
• Working abroad without posted-worker documentation

The Renteninformation helps you see which years are weak before retirement is near.

Voluntary contributions and Nachzahlung

You may be able to close gaps through:

• Freiwillige Beiträge — voluntary payments if you are otherwise eligible (e.g. self-employed gaps)
• Nachzahlung — retroactive payment for certain past periods, usually within a limited window and only where the law allows

DRV or a Beratung (counselling) appointment can calculate whether top-ups are worthwhile — they are not always a good deal.

Early retirement and Abschläge

The statement often shows pension amounts if you retire before 67. Claiming early permanently reduces monthly pension by Abschläge (typically 0.3% per month early). Working longer or deferring claim can increase pension through Zuschläge.

Special rules exist for long-term insured persons, disability, and certain professions — the letter may reference these if relevant.

Childcare, care, and other credits

Germany credits pension points for:

• Kindererziehung — up to three years per child (rules vary by birth year)
• Pflege — caring for dependents
• Military or civilian service in some cases

If children or care periods are missing from your Verlauf, request a correction from DRV with birth certificates or care documentation.

What to do — step by step

Step 1: Confirm it is Renteninformation (forecast), not a Rentenbescheid or contribution invoice.

Step 2: Note your total Entgeltpunkte and projected pension at 67.

Step 3: Scan the Versicherungsverlauf for gaps or wrong employers.

Step 4: Compare early-retirement figures and understand Abschläge.

Step 5: If gaps matter, ask DRV about freiwillige Beiträge or Nachzahlung options.

Step 6: Keep the letter for records; check eservice next year for updates.

When to get help

• Missing years you definitely worked — request a Kontenklärung (account clarification).
• Time worked in another EU country — coordination may be needed.
• Self-employment periods not listed.
• Large gap between projected pension and living costs — plan private savings or voluntary contributions.
• You received a different document demanding immediate payment — that is not standard Renteninformation.

Free DRV Versicherungsverlauf counselling and consumer advice centres can help interpret the forecast.

Key terms glossary

Still not sure what your letter wants?

• ✓ Plain English summary of projected pension and Entgeltpunkte
• ✓ Gaps in your Versicherungsverlauf highlighted
• ✓ Clarification: forecast vs payment demand
• ✓ Questions for DRV or a draft letter in German

Last updated: June 2026