The minimum wage is to rise to 13.90 euros in 2026 and to 14.60 euros in 2027. The Minimum Wage Commission recommended on Friday in Berlin that the current minimum wage of 12.82 euros should be raised accordingly on January 1. The decision was made “unanimously” by the employer and employee representatives on the committee, said Chairwoman Christiane Schönefeld.
This puts the typical monthly earnings for German workers at nearly €2,500, the second-highest minimum wage in the EU, just behind Luxembourg’s €2,638. Belgium, the Netherlands, and Ireland also offer national minimum wages exceeding €2,000 per month.
Schönefeld spoke of “very difficult discussions”. “The commission faced a particular challenge this year in view of the stagnating economy and the uncertain forecasts for future developments, and this is reflected in the decision taken,” she continued.
The Chairwoman of the Commission warned against political intervention: “Attempts to exert political influence” are “not compatible” with the intended independence of the Minimum Wage Commission, she said.
The CDU/CSU and SPD have stated in their coalition agreement that “a minimum wage of 15 euros in 2026 is achievable” - but the specific level should continue to be set by the independent Minimum Wage Commission. In recent weeks, however, there have been calls from the SPD to enforce the 15 euros through a political decision if necessary.
The minimum wage commission consists of three representatives delegated by the employers, three from the trade unions, a chairperson and two advisory members from academia. Initially, only the six employee and employer representatives are entitled to vote.
The law stipulates that the commission submits a proposal to increase the minimum wage every two years, which the federal government then makes binding by means of a statutory order. The government cannot set a different level on its own.
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